FT News Briefing Russia’s failed efforts to rebuild in Ukraine
Feb 23, 2024
A new UK-EU deal aims to combat illegal immigration and organized crime. Meanwhile, Japan celebrates its Nikkei 225 index reaching a record high after 34 years. The discussion shifts to Mariupol, where Russia's reconstruction efforts are exposed as inadequate, showcasing poor construction quality and ongoing struggles faced by residents. Corruption and bureaucratic hurdles further complicate life for Ukrainians returning home, turning rubble into unaffordable luxury while the local governance faces exploitation.
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Mariupol's Devastation
- Mariupol, a Ukrainian port city, was devastated by Russian forces, with 90% of residential buildings damaged or destroyed.
- Russia's attempts to rebuild the city have faced significant challenges and are not going as planned.
Potemkin Village
- Russia's reconstruction efforts in Mariupol appear successful in Russian media, showcasing new apartments and trams.
- However, investigation reveals these efforts are largely a sham, based on outdated plans and refurbished Ukrainian trams.
Dimitri's Story
- A Mariupol resident, "Dimitri," documented the poor reconstruction of his apartment building, exposing the substandard work.
- Videos show water pouring through ceilings, buckets of frozen water, and windows left open for months.