Mariupol city, frequently mentioned in news in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is situated on the coast of

Mariupol is a strategically significant port city located in the Donetsk Oblast of southeastern Ukraine. It is situated on the northern coast of the Sea of Azov, specifically at the mouth of the Kalmius River. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the city gained international attention due to its critical role as an industrial hub for steel production and its strategic position on the Azov Sea, which connects to the Black Sea via the Kerch Strait [1]. Historically, Mariupol was founded in the 18th century and became a major center for grain trade and metallurgy, housing large plants like Azovstal [2]. The Sea of Azov is an inland sea bounded by Ukraine to the north and west and Russia to the east, making Mariupol a vital maritime gateway for Ukrainian exports before the conflict [1].

Sources

1. [1] https://chicago.mfa.gov.ua/news/69090-situation-center-mfa-publikaciji-svitovih-naukovo-analitichnih-ta-jekspertnih-centriv-shhodo-chergovogo-aktu-agresiji-rosiji-proti-ukrajini-u-chornomu-ta-azovsykomu-moryah-30112018
2. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Mariupol