A new Nightmare in a Rebuilt City

Three years after the devastating battle that reduced Mariupol to ruins,residents face a new ordeal: systematic property confiscation. Despite ongoing reconstruction efforts touted by Russian authorities, a growing number of Mariupol residents are being dispossessed of their homes, fueling resentment and raising questions about the true beneficiaries of the city’s rebuilding.

The “Besjoz” Phenomenon: Ownerless in Their own city

Across Mariupol, a chilling trend is emerging.homes are being seized under the pretext that their owners have “disappeared.” The term Besjoz, meaning “ownerless,” is becoming a grim catchphrase, scrawled on walls alongside desperate pleas: Return us our floor, we want to return home (2022-2025). This graffiti, a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis, reflects the anguish of residents fighting to reclaim what was once theirs.

Confiscation Tactics: A Web of bureaucracy and Displacement

The methods of dispossession are varied and often heartless. Some residents lack the necessary documentation, lost in the chaos of war. Others face bureaucratic hurdles when attempting to prove inheritance, their relatives buried in unmarked graves. Even worse, some are reportedly deported by Russian security forces when attempting to return from Europe.

City officials do not accept documents [en el extranjero] with consular powers of Russia or other data about the owners of the apartments. Thus, with this abuse of power more than 9,000 Besjoz have been taken.

Residents of Prospekt Polyedi Street

Reconstruction for Whom? Accusations of Corruption and Favoritism

While new buildings rise from the rubble, access is often limited to Russians with substantial financial resources. This has led to accusations that the reconstruction is primarily benefiting outsiders, rather than the original residents of Mariupol. Some residents allege that confiscated properties are being distributed to construction companies, who then sell the newly built apartments at inflated prices.

In Russian legislation there is no law that allows free distribution of land among the promoters. They are distributing without auction the plots that belong to the owners of damaged houses.

Anonymous Mariupol Resident

This alleged practice circumvents standard legal procedures, raising serious concerns about corruption and openness in the reconstruction process. Currently, global corruption indexes show a concerning trend in regions with active conflict zones, often leading to misappropriation of resources and hindering genuine recovery efforts.

Compensation Shortfalls and Broken Promises

the promise of compensation for lost homes rings hollow for many. The waiting list for replacement apartments is growing, and some residents claim that authorities are confiscating existing homes to offer them as compensation to others, creating a vicious cycle of displacement. The scale of the problem is immense, with interim mayor Oleg Morgun acknowledging that at least 5,600 people remain on the waiting list as of February 2025.

Official figures paint a grim picture. While the government in the Donetsk region claims that more than 500 inhabitants of Mariupol will receive a compensatory floor in the first semester of 2025, this is a minuscule fraction of those in need.

Citizenship as a Prerequisite: A Divisive policy

A law enacted in December adds another layer of complexity. Residents are only eligible for an apartment if they have acquired Russian nationality and have rejected in writing other social support measures,including compensation. This policy forces residents to choose between their original identity and the possibility of securing housing, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Financial Barriers: Insufficient Aid and Limited Access to Mortgages

Even for those who qualify, financial assistance is inadequate. The administration offers 45,000 rubles per square meter (approximately 500 euros), while the average cost of housing is 130,000 rubles (approximately 1,450 euros). This leaves residents with a significant shortfall,making it nearly impossible to afford a new home.

Furthermore, access to mortgages is limited, as banks primarily grant loans to citizens with stable employment.the lack of industry in Mariupol and the prevalence of temporary construction jobs further disadvantage residents, especially pensioners.

A City Transformed: From beach Destination to Military Hub?

While Russian authorities promote Mariupol as a future beach destination, offering incentives to officials and soldiers to relocate, the reality on the ground is far more complex. The preferential mortgage rates offered to russians (2% compared to the Central Bank’s 21%) suggest a deliberate effort to reshape the city’s demographics.

The Future of Mariupol: A Call for Transparency and Justice

The situation in Mariupol demands greater transparency and accountability. The international community must pressure Russian authorities to ensure that the reconstruction process prioritizes the needs of the original residents and that all property confiscations are conducted in accordance with international law. Without a commitment to justice and fairness,Mariupol risks becoming a symbol of displacement and dispossession,rather than a testament to resilience and recovery. The keywords for this article are: Mariupol,housing crisis,property confiscation,reconstruction,Besjoz.

Empty Promises and Hollow Structures

While outward appearances suggest progress, many residents of Mariupol are finding that the reality of reconstruction falls far short of expectations. A local resident lamented, Now they only build mortgage houses. The money is over and they only build the houses that are going to be sold. This sentiment is echoed by others who have lost their homes and are struggling to navigate the complex process of reclaiming their properties.

Another resident, who previously owned two apartments, expressed frustration over the slow pace and superficial nature of the rebuilding efforts. The authorities promised us that our houses would be ready soon. They raised the facades, but there is nothing inside. They are totally empty boxes. He further emphasized the lack of activity, stating, If you approach my house, you will not see a worker inside. This individual, like many others, has been forced to live in rented accommodation for the past three years, a temporary solution that has become a prolonged struggle.

The situation is particularly poignant for those whose homes were located near landmarks like the Mariupol Theater.Today, the site of his former home is a white façade building thru which you can see the opposite side of the street because there are no interior walls.

The Bureaucratic Labyrinth: A Fight for Home

Beyond the physical reconstruction, Mariupol residents are entangled in a complex bureaucratic web when trying to reclaim their properties. A local notary described the situation as Kafkian, highlighting the overwhelming workload faced by the city’s few notaries. According to available data, Mariupol has only 14 specialists to handle the property claims of thousands of residents.

Inheritance issues are further complex by the large number of missing persons and the loss of vital records. There are many dead who have the status of disappeared and their relatives do not inherit the property. Many data have been lost, such as real estate records or what was the last residence of the deceased. the processing of inheritances is delayed; people cannot present the property documents and, if there is no property, the administration notifies the houses as besjoz, the notary explained.

Adding to the complexity, Russian authorities require residents to obtain Russian nationality to maintain ownership of their properties. This poses a significant challenge for refugees who are abroad, as Russian consulates frequently enough do not process these applications. The only option for many is to return to Mariupol, a journey fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Restrictions on Return and the Sheremétievo filter

A 2023 decree has severely restricted the entry of Ukrainian citizens by air, funneling all arrivals through Moscow’s Sheremétievo Airport.Upon arrival, individuals face interrogation and thorough scrutiny of their mobile devices, with potential consequences ranging from denial of entry to multi-year bans. The scale of the problem is evident in the emergence of online support groups,such as the Telegram group Rejected from Sheremétievo,which boasts over 20,000 members.

One deportee lamented, They have not given me any explanation. others have shared stories of being denied entry for seemingly minor infractions, such as liking a social media post expressing support for Ukraine. The situation is further complicated by the legacy of the Soviet era.

One individual, identified as Igor, shared his experience of being denied entry after renouncing his Russian nationality in the 1990s. They rejected me the entrance to Russia in sheremétievo when I tried to return to Mariupol in December. I was born in Russia, then the USSR. My parents were destined for Ukraine for work, he explained. Now exiled in Germany, Igor is seeking advice from others in similar situations.

Whispers of Discontent: Telegram Groups and Housing Discrepancies

Mariupol residents, both those who remain in the city and those who have fled to Russia, have formed secret telegram groups to share their experiences and offer mutual support.These groups serve as a platform for voicing grievances and navigating the challenges of reconstruction.

One member recounted, They mistakenly demolished our nine -storey building when it was practically intact. Then they did not accept the documents of some neighbors and others corresponded a 33 -meter floor. For those who had four -room houses they calculated 42 meters and two rooms. These discrepancies in housing allocation have fueled resentment and distrust.

Another affected individual lamented, They have built a mortgage building on my home. These stories highlight the inconsistencies and perceived injustices in the reconstruction process.

dissenting Voices and the Lingering Shadow of the Past

Despite the widespread complaints about housing problems, some residents express support for Russian control.One resident,Olga,stated,If they do not let Russia return it is because they have done something, referring to neighbors who have been denied entry.She further revealed her Soviet-era upbringing, stating, During the Soviet Union I was exempt from studying ukraine at school. For me it was challenging to have to learn it later to work, explaining her rejection of Ukrainian identity.

The administrator of one of the Telegram groups for affected residents emphasized their neutrality, stating, Our movement does not collaborate with anti -Russian media and the hybrid war that takes advantage of the brotherhood between the Ukrainian people and the Russian Federation.

The “Mariupol Miracle”: A Mirage?

Despite the official narrative of a Mariupol miracle, complaints about housing persist three years after the city’s capture. the situation evokes historical parallels, with one resident comparing the promises of reconstruction to the stories of Indians who promised gold mountains. The reality on the ground suggests that the path to recovery is far more complex and challenging than official accounts suggest.

Contemporary Land Disputes: A Recurring Narrative?

Across the globe, indigenous communities are voicing concerns that their current struggles for land rights bear unsettling similarities to the historical injustices inflicted upon them during colonial eras. The forced displacement and confinement to designated reserves are central to these grievances, sparking debates about historical parallels and the ongoing fight for self-determination.

Voices of Discontent: Drawing Lines to the Past

The sentiment is palpable. One woman,deeply affected by recent events,expressed her outrage,stating,and in the end they were confined in the reserves. This statement encapsulates the feeling of many who believe their ancestral lands are being unjustly seized and their communities marginalized.

Another individual, bearing visible signs of injury, drew a stark comparison to the Spanish conquest of the Americas, remarking, And to me [it is indeed similar] to the treatment of Spanish conquerors to the Incas, Maya and Aztecs. This comparison highlights the perceived continuity of oppressive practices, where indigenous populations are dispossessed of their land and subjected to systemic violence.

Historical Context: A Legacy of Dispossession

The historical context is crucial to understanding these contemporary grievances. The colonization of the Americas, for example, resulted in the systematic dispossession of indigenous peoples from their lands, often through violence, coercion, and the imposition of foreign legal systems. Treaties were frequently broken, and indigenous cultures were suppressed. This legacy continues to shape the relationship between indigenous communities and national governments today.

Consider the impact of the Doctrine of Revelation, a legal principle used by European powers to justify the colonization of lands inhabited by indigenous peoples. While officially repudiated by some institutions, its influence can still be seen in land ownership disputes and legal frameworks that disadvantage indigenous communities.

The Fight for Self-Determination: A Global Movement

Despite the challenges,indigenous communities are actively fighting for their rights and self-determination. This includes legal challenges,advocacy efforts,and grassroots movements aimed at reclaiming ancestral lands,protecting cultural heritage,and achieving greater political autonomy. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) provides a framework for these efforts, affirming the rights of indigenous peoples to self-determination, land, resources, and cultural preservation.

However, the implementation of UNDRIP remains uneven across the globe, and many indigenous communities continue to face significant obstacles in their pursuit of justice and equality. The struggle for indigenous land rights is not just a historical issue; it is a pressing contemporary concern with profound implications for social justice, environmental sustainability, and the future of human rights.