(Kyiv) – Russia’s plans to extend its control over Ukrainian resources are taking shape with an ambitious project to expand the Mariupol port. The Kremlin intends to build 25 new hydraulic structures by the end of 2025, which will include additional berths for cargo ships and warehouses. These plans are designed to significantly increase the port’s capacity to 4.8 million tons, primarily to facilitate the export of Ukrainian grain and industrial equipment from the occupied territories.
The expansion of Mariupol port reflects Russia’s continued interest in exploiting Ukraine’s agricultural and industrial resources. According to the Center for National Resistance (CNR), the primary goal is to export grain from the temporarily occupied areas, but there are also plans to send industrial equipment to Russia and other countries aligned with Moscow. This move underscores Russia’s long-standing efforts to increase its economic and territorial control over Ukrainian assets.
The expansion plans include building new infrastructure to accommodate more cargo ships and storage space for goods. These developments are expected to facilitate Russia’s broader goal of further integrating Ukraine’s occupied territories into its economy by utilizing the port of Mariupol for large-scale exports. With the port’s increased capacity, Russia hopes to establish a more efficient route for the export of grain and industrial equipment, which could further strengthen its economic ties with countries that support its actions in Ukraine.
In addition to this infrastructure expansion, Russia’s so-called “federal agency of sea and river transport” has made clear that it intends to increase Mariupol’s capacity specifically for grain exports. The new facilities are expected to help Russia maintain a steady flow of goods from the occupied regions of Ukraine, contributing to the Kremlin’s long-term control over the area.
While Russia focuses on expanding the port’s export capabilities, the situation in Mariupol remains dire for local residents. The occupation authorities have introduced new measures for compensation for destroyed housing in Mariupol, requiring an inventory of damaged homes. However, this process has proven impossible due to the destruction of over 500 high-rise buildings in the city. This highlights the ongoing devastation caused by Russia’s military occupation and the challenges facing Mariupol’s recovery.
