Ukraine has just passed a thousand days of war. While you are still in exile, what state of mind are you in?
I'm not just a mayor in exile, I was chased out by the Russians. On the third day of the war, the city was surrounded by the enemy. There were then more than 400,000 inhabitants. Putin ordered to attack with heavy artillery and his aviation. Every twenty minutes we were bombarded. There are only 100,000 inhabitants left.
These battles made Mariupol a martyr city. How many victims do you think?
We estimate the number of deaths at more than 22,000. Realize, that's twice as many as during the Second World War. In Mariupol, 936 buildings were destroyed along with their occupants. It's a tragedy.
“When Russia feels what we experience, the response will be symmetrical”
Russia has further intensified its attacks. Are you worried about the rest of the war?
We are worried. Aid to Ukraine is not systematic and does not arrive at the right time. The response must be strong. We must have a common position, that's how we will stop the war.
The United States has authorized Ukraine to use its long-range missiles. Do you approve of this choice to strike on Russian territory?
Every day the Russians destroy us, every day there are victims, we sleep in basements and cellars. When Russia experiences what we experience, the response will be symmetrical. And we have been waiting for this answer for three years.
“What would you say if you could no longer see your parents’ graves?” »
Are you waiting for France to also issue this authorization?
We hope so, but not only from France. We hope so from Germany and all European partners. We need these decisions for victory.
Despite the war, you are preparing the reconstruction of Mariupol…
It's two years of work thanks to European cities, including Le Havre, and the best architects. They imagined the Mariupol of tomorrow. This work was also carried out with all those who fled Mariupol. We now have a good vision of the city's future.
The Russians assure that they are rebuilding Mariupol…
They built housing, but how many did they destroy? More than 100,000 people lost their homes. If you look at these constructions and turn your head, you see all the buildings destroyed. This is Russian propaganda. We can also factor in our 22,000 deaths. Let them answer for all these deaths.
To make peace, Vladimir Putin demands to keep the conquered territories. What do you answer?
What would you say if you were kicked out of your house? What if you became homeless, what if you could no longer see your parents' graves? It's our home. Putin wants to exterminate us. We must fight, I am next to our president. We must return the cities occupied by the Russians. The terrorist attacker must be punished, justice must win. Putin's money must be given for the reconstruction of Ukraine and reimburse the victims.
