Kathrine Frich
Behind Russian front lines, a resistance movement has taken root in occupied Crimea.
Behind Russian front lines, a resistance movement has taken root in occupied Crimea.
A Shadow War in Crimea
Known as Ateş, meaning “fire” in the Crimean Tatar language, the group has become one of the most active sabotage networks in the region.
While little is known about its full size, its actions are increasingly shaping the conflict.
Fighting for Dignity
An Ateş commander, Djohar Krîm, explained to The Sun what drives his fighters.
“Many of our agents have lost everything because of the occupation. Families, homes, futures. What they are doing now is, for some, the only way to regain a shred of control over their lives. Even if it only helps by a percentage, it’s worth it,” he said.
Sabotage at the Heart of the War
Ateş targets key Russian positions: command posts, logistics depots, and military bases.
The group has carried out arson attacks, assassinations of pro-Russian officials, and intelligence gathering for Ukrainian forces.
They even played a role in attacks on the Kerch bridge, a symbol of Moscow’s grip on Crimea.
Fire as a Weapon
“Fire is the simplest method of sabotage, especially given that transporting explosives is extremely risky under the constant surveillance of the FSB and the Russian military,” Djohar explained.
Arson has become one of the network’s most effective tools for disrupting Russian infrastructure without exposing agents to excessive risk.
Civil Resistance and Propaganda
Beyond sabotage, Ateş runs a Civil Force composed of local volunteers.
These activists spread propaganda, identify regime sympathizers, and hand out leaflets with QR codes to connect with the resistance.
“We want to demonstrate that Russia does not completely control these territories,” Djohar noted. Interest, he says, is growing daily.
Strikes on Officials and Symbols
Some of Ateş’s most daring missions have targeted Russian leaders and propagandists.
Notably, pro-Kremlin writer Zakhar Prilepin was badly injured in a 2023 bombing that killed his driver.
Djohar declined to confirm involvement but admitted Ateş has carried out other assassinations of police chiefs and politicians in occupied regions.
Disguise and Deception
Djohar shared a chilling story of an Ateş agent who posed as a drug dealer to infiltrate Russian soldiers.
After gaining their trust, he offered marijuana before killing three, including an officer, with a stolen gun.
“It was a successful operation. We called it the ‘Ukrainian night.’ Our agent left the village at dawn,” he recalled.
The Crimean Tatar Connection
The Crimean Tatars, deported by Stalin in 1944 and long opposed to Russian domination, form the backbone of Ateş.
“Many of our first agents are Crimean Tatars. And the name << Ateş >>, fire, is a tribute to them and their long struggle,” Djohar explained.
Their role anchors the movement in history as well as resistance.
A Fight with No End in Sight
Ateş leaders make clear “We have no plans to stop”.
They post videos of attacks on Telegram to boost morale and international awareness.
As Djohar warned, “Putin will only negotiate when he believes he has more to gain than on the battlefield. And if the war is frozen, he will still attack again when he thinks he can.”
