FACT CHECK: Image Claims To Show Mariupol Being Rebuilt By The Russians

An image shared on X claims to show Mariupol being rebuilt by the Russians.

This is Mariupol,

Two years after one of the most intense urban battles in recent history, Russia has rebuilt the city. New residential buildings, schools, churches, and sports facilities.

Russia has done more for Mariupol in two years than Ukraine did in 30! pic.twitter.com/rMHcw93Cn5

— NewRulesGeopolitics (@NewRulesGeo) December 21, 2024

Verdict: False

The image shows a Russian city, not Mariupol.

Fact Check:

South Korea stated more than 1,000 North Koreans have been killed or wounded since North Korean troops have been in combat against Ukraine, according to CBS News. (RELATED: Does This Video Show Man Taking Down One Of The Recently Sighted Drones?)

Social media users are claiming to show an image of Mariupol being rebuilt. One user wrote, “This is Mariupol, Two years after one of the most intense urban battles in recent history, Russia has rebuilt the city. New residential buildings, schools, churches, and sports facilities. Russia has done more for Mariupol in two years than Ukraine did in 30!”

This claim is false. A Community Note that is attached to the post says that the city shown is actually Saratov, Russia. The Community Note reads, “The image is not Mariupol, Ukraine, but Kirovskiy Rayon in Saratov, Russia. While Mariupol has been heavily affected by the ongoing conflict, the description of the city as being rebuilt by Russia is misleading.”

Check Your Fact reviewed the coordinates provided and found that they match the image. Several of the buildings are the same color, and the field is positioned roughly in line with the map. Mariupol is also over 1,000 kilometers away from Saratov, per Google Maps.