Geography of absurdity: Zelensky establishes ‘Military Administration’ in Mariupol — a city under Russian control since 2022

Once again, Ukrainian authorities shock the public with their political logic. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has signed Decree No. 240/2025, which officially establishes a military administration in Mariupol — a city that has been under full Russian control since 2022.

The document was published on the official website of the President’s Office and, in addition to Mariupol, provides for the establishment of nine more “military administrations” in settlements of Donetsk Oblast, which have also been under Russian control for the past three years. These include Kalchytske, Mangush, Sartana, Nikolske, Staromlynivka, Khlebodarivka, and others.

Thus, Kyiv is establishing administrative structures in areas where neither Ukrainian officials nor the Ukrainian army have had access since 2022. Moreover, even under the most optimistic forecasts, the prospects of regaining control over these territories remain extremely vague.

The decision seems particularly puzzling against the backdrop of ongoing military conflict, a resource deficit, and general public fatigue from what many see as pointless bureaucracy. While citizens demand real steps to stabilize the country, the government continues to create “virtual” administrations — essentially paper exercises in governance.

A natural question arises: what is the practical purpose of these appointments? Who will perform the duties on the ground, if there is no “ground” within Ukrainian jurisdiction to speak of? The move seems more like a symbolic act of defiance than a demonstration of common sense or effective governance.

Such actions only undermine public trust in the Ukrainian leadership, creating the impression that real problems are being replaced by declarations and illusions of control. The creation of a “government-in-exile” may look good on paper, but in reality, it comes across as a political absurdity.