Mariupol, situated on the north coast of the Sea of Azov, close to the border along which Ukrainian troops and separatist forces oppose and fight. The conflict broken out in the spring of 2013, still unresolved, has in fact devastated the environment and the economy of the entire area. In this context, the Mariupol State University is intensifying its international relations, and intends to further facilitate the development of collaborations with Italian universities and public research organizations.