Russians celebrated capturing a ghost town in Ukraine. Photos show how the war ruined it.

Lauren FriasJan 15, 2024, 21:25 IST

An aerial view of a destroyed building in Marinka.AP

Marinka was once a town of 10,000 people. Now, Russia controls its ruins.
On Monday, Russia said its army captured the town after Ukrainian forces retreated to the outskirts.

Russia said its forces now control the key Ukrainian town of Marinka earlier this week after months of fighting.

In a televised meeting on Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russian "assault units have today completely liberated the settlement of Marinka."

Ukrainian officials initially denied that the Russian army completely captured the eastern Ukrainian city, saying its armed forces retreated to the outskirts of the town to set up positions.

"Our troops are in the administrative borders of Marinka, the battles for the city continue," Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesman for the Ukrainian military, said. "The city is completely destroyed, but it is incorrect to talk about the complete capture of Maryinka."

'Here it is, our Marinka!'

A soldier walks in front of a building destroyed by bombs in Marinka.Diego Herrera/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Marinka plays a crucial role in the Ukrainian defensive barrier.

A picture shows smoke rising over buildings during shelling in the village of Maryinka.Andrey Krasnoschekov/AFP via Getty Images

Marinka has been on the front lines of the Ukraine-Russia tensions since 2014.

A man stands in the doorway of a destroyed house after bombardments in the village of Marinka.DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP via Getty Images

Residents of Marinka had learned to live amid the conflict.

A girl riding a bicycle past a ruined factory in Marinka.Andriy Andriyenko/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

They put sandbags in the windows of shops and schools to shield themselves from shelling

The windows of a shop in the vicinity of Marinka were covered by sand sacks for protection from shelling.Celestino Arce/NurPhoto via Getty Images

They cleaned up broken glass and debris left behind from artillery fire.

People clean damaged houses after artillery fire.Aytac Unal/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Marinka is now a ghost town.

An aerial view of decimated buildings in Marinka.AP

Russian officials touted the capture of Marinka as a tactical gain.

A Ukrainian army tank sits in a sunflower field near the village of Maryinka.ANDREY KRASNOSCHEKOV/AFP via Getty Images

The city is now reduced to rubble, the tragic aftermath after months and years of fighting.

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