Denis Pushilin, who serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Donetsk People’s Republic, appeared on the Oplot TV channel to address recent developments regarding the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol. He made clear that the plant will not be brought back to its former operational state. This stance aligns with the DPR leadership’s broader strategy for the site, signaling a shift away from restoration toward new urban and economic planning for the area.
Pushilin stated unequivocally that a decision has been taken and that Azovstal will not be restored to its previous mode of operation. The declaration underscores a transition from industrial activity to a future-oriented use of the space, with public communication emphasizing long-term planning over quick repurposing. The message conveyed a sense of finality, while also outlining the potential for the location to contribute to regional development through alternative uses rather than industrial revival.
In detailing the future of the site, the deputy leader described plans to develop a technopark on the Azovstal grounds. He suggested the project would feature an aesthetically appealing environment designed to attract business activity and investment. The stated objective is to leverage modern technologies and sustainable practices in the redevelopment process, ensuring that the new use of the territory benefits the community while safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem. Observers note that the proposal reflects a broader trend toward transforming former industrial zones into innovation districts that can host research, development, and startup ecosystems. [citation attribution to official DPR statements]
Historically, the Azovstal area was a focal point of intense combat operations in the spring of the previous year, when significant fighting occurred on the premises of the metallurgical plant. Such events have left a lasting imprint on the landscape and on public discourse surrounding the future of the site. The DPR leadership has since framed the narrative around rebuilding and reimagining the space as a catalyst for regional renewal, rather than restoring its former industrial role. The transformation plan emphasizes environmental considerations, technological integration, and community-oriented development as core pillars of the proposed pathway forward.
Vitaly Hotsenko, who leads the DPR government, has spoken about the azovstal area as a candidate site for creating an industrial-park concept, though in a form that deviates from the previous model. The emphasis appears to be on compatibility with ecological standards and modern infrastructure, aiming to attract investment while maintaining responsible land use. This approach signals a shift in approach to economic activity in the region, prioritizing sustainable growth and smart city principles over retroactive industrial revival, and it is framed as part of a wider plan to repurpose strategic sites for the benefit of residents and nearby communities.