Silent Resistance: Life Under Russian Occupation in Ukraine

As Russian forces maintain control over significant Ukrainian territory, local residents engage in small acts of resistance despite the heavy risks. Through personal accounts from Melitopol, Mariupol, and Crimea, the profound impact of occupation on daily life emerges alongside a resilient spirit of defiance.

In the grip of Russian occupation, thousands of Ukrainians have carved out their silent resistance amid the overwhelming fear that comes with being under foreign control. From the southern city of Melitopol, where military influence has permeated every aspect of life, to the strategic port city of Mariupol, once a flourishing industrial hub, everyday inhabitants are finding ways to quietly protest against their occupiers.

Three individuals, who have chosen to remain anonymous for their safety and asked to be referred to as Mavka, Pavlo, and Iryna, bravely shared their experiences under the heavy hand of Russian rule. Mavka, living in Melitopol since the Russian invasion began on February 25, 2022, describes a life transformed by military presence and "Russification.” Schools have begun efforts to cultivate loyalty to Russia among the youth, where military education replaces traditional subjects, reflecting a growing militarisation of everyday life.

Pavlo, on the other hand, recounts his struggles in Mariupol, a city ravaged by Russian bombardments that left its residents feeling "cut off" from the rest of Ukraine. Now, those who want to secure employment, education, or healthcare must assimilate into the Russian system—an obligation that extends to Russian citizenship. For many, the tension manifests in fear of speaking out, especially within the context of public schools where singing the Russian anthem is compulsory. The psychological burden is compounded by the absence of reliable information and threats of consequences from the authorities.

In Crimea, Iryna has likewise remained despite the risk, primarily to care for an elderly relative. With Ukrainian identity systematically erased from public culture, Iryna finds herself in environments where even the language she cherishes is associated with risk. She highlights the pervasive atmosphere of surveillance and fear, where even acts of cultural expression or wearing traditional clothing can lead to suspicious scrutiny by Russian authorities.

Amidst these daunting circumstances, acts of resistance, however small, flourish. In Melitopol, Mavka is part of a clandestine network of women known as Zla Mavka (Angry Mavka). This group aims to raise awareness among fellow Ukrainians, reminding them they are not alone. They engage in various covert activities, such as placing national symbols in public spaces to rekindle a sense of unity. Mavka's stories include not only symbolic acts but also pranks against Russian soldiers, illustrating an audacious spirit among the occupied.

Despite their resolve and solidarity, however, the risk of severe retaliation looms large. The fate of those who oppose the regime is dire, as illustrated by the tragic fate of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was reportedly tortured and killed for her resistance. This serves as a grim reminder of the stakes involved in their daily lives.

As negotiations for peace loom on the horizon, the precarious balance of hope and fear weighs heavily on these residents. While Mavka continues to nurture her resistance network, she worries about the prospect of a ceasefire that could potentially entrench Russian occupation. The fear of losing cultural identity and autonomy is palpable, with many desperate to hold on to their heritage and fight for their future, even as they simultaneously confront the possibility of enduring silence.

Pavlo, though wishing for an end to the war, contemplates the implications of a peace deal that might come at a price to Ukrainian sovereignty. The calls for a resolution ring hollow when weighed against the sacrifices of those who have stood firm against an oppressive regime. Iryna shares concerns for the next generation, reflecting on how children, influenced by a violent environment, might mimic aggression rather than promoting peace.

The resilience of these individuals underlines a deeper narrative—that even in the bleakest circumstances, the human spirit fights for identity, culture, and the right to exist without fear. As they navigate this harrowing chapter of their lives, the people of Ukraine continue to seek solidarity with one another amidst occupation, fervently hoping for a day when the shadows of war finally recede.