Russian authorities are systematically seizing thousands of homes from Ukrainian residents who fled Mariupol, a BBC Verify investigation has found as the city marks three years of occupation.

At least 5,700 homes have been identified for seizure, our analysis of documents published by the Russian-installed city authorities since July 2024 shows.

To save their homes, Ukrainians would have to face a dangerous return to Mariupol via Russia, gruelling security checks, a complex bureaucratic process and overwhelming pressure to accept a Russian passport.

Most of the impacted properties were once occupied by Ukrainians who either fled or died during Russia’s 86-day siege of the strategically important city in 2022. Human Rights Watch said the bombardment killed more than 8,000 people, but noted that figure is “likely a significant underestimation”.

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