The head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, stated that the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol will not be restored as a functioning plant. He framed the decision within a broader assessment of how the site has shaped the city’s welfare and environment, and why its future role is now being reconsidered in favor of other developmental paths for the region.
Pushilin argued that the Azovstal complex, historically tied to heavy industry, has overshadowed Mariupol’s image as a potential resort destination. He contended that the factory’s operations left lasting ecological impacts, including pollution of the Sea of Azov and effects on the surrounding urban fabric, which complicated hopes for sustainable tourism or waterfront revitalization.
According to him, the area’s condition is far from ideal. He noted ongoing concerns about dust, debris, and the long tail of concrete-related works, which he described as conditions that will influence the urban landscape for decades to come and require careful management as the region moves forward.
In the same discussion, the head of the DPR pointed to the Ilyich plant as a contrasting project with potential for revival or repurposing. He indicated that administrative steps have been taken to clear the site and prepare it for new activities, signaling a shift toward industrial reconfiguration or new production opportunities that align with current regional priorities.
Earlier in the year, Russian authorities flagged a different trajectory for the Azovstal site. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin suggested that the remaining portion of the metallurgical plant could be transformed into a technology park, reflecting an interest in leveraging the site for innovation, research, and higher-value manufacturing while addressing legacy environmental concerns.
Before these announcements, Mariupol’s mayor, Oleg Morgun, spoke about possibilities for rail and beam production facilities on the Azovstal grounds. This plan highlighted the city’s potential to retain skilled workers and capitalise on its industrial heritage by enabling targeted manufacturing activities that support broader regional supply chains and infrastructure development.
Previously the DPR stated that demining of the Azovstal area would influence the timing and feasibility of any future work. Once clearance is complete, more definitive decisions could be made about the site’s future usage, whether as a technology-oriented space, a renewed industrial site, or a mixed-use development that serves both economic and community needs.