Kathrine Frich
In parts of Ukraine under Russian occupation, daily life is governed by fear.
Ordinary actions carry extraordinary risk, and survival often depends on silence.
Yet even in this environment, defiance has not disappeared. Beneath the surface, a quiet struggle continues.
Life under terror
In occupied Ukrainian territories, resistance is rarely symbolic.
According to documented accounts, even a misplaced word, a misunderstood gesture or a refusal to cooperate can lead to arrest, torture or death.
Russian authorities have been accused of a wide range of war crimes in these areas.
Men are forcibly mobilised to fight against Ukraine, sexual violence is used systematically, and children are taken to so-called “re-education” camps aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity.
Despite this, some residents choose to resist, knowing the cost could be fatal.
Hidden structure
According to Ziare.com, part of this resistance is coordinated by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF).
The movement operates discreetly inside occupied territories, relying on local civilians rather than visible armed units.
For security reasons, the identity of its leader remains undisclosed.
His message, however, is unambiguous: resistance is not a separate phenomenon, but a continuation of Ukraine’s long struggle for independence.
Old roots
The SOF commander said the resistance did not begin with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Its roots stretch back through decades of opposition to Russian domination.
The current organised structure was formalised in 2016, alongside the creation of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces.
Its aim is to involve civilians who remain under occupation for family, economic or practical reasons.
The ultimate goal mirrors that of Ukraine’s armed forces: expelling Russian troops and restoring territorial integrity.
Methods and risks
The resistance uses both violent and non-violent tactics. Where possible, civilians are trained to use light weapons or improvised explosive devices.
Alongside this, psychological pressure, sabotage and efforts to discourage collaboration with occupation authorities play a central role.
The risks are extreme, and selection is increasingly strict as cities are destroyed and depopulated.
Everyone matters
Participants are not limited to former soldiers. Teachers, civil servants and workers all play roles, according to the SOF.
A teacher, for example, may quietly counter Russian propaganda by reinforcing Ukrainian identity and telling children the occupation is temporary.
Protecting such individuals has become a priority as populations shrink.
Motivation varies. Older residents remember the Soviet past. Younger generations reject what they see as a “USSR 2.0.” For others, resistance is driven by loss, revenge and shattered lives.
Why they stay
Many remain because they have no choice: property, land, businesses or elderly relatives keep them there.
Others believed the war would be short. Now, escape is often impossible.
Some stay deliberately to resist, evacuating families over time while continuing their work. “We are patient,” the commander said.
Sources: Ziare.com
