Ukraine War: The Rise of Internal Resistance and Sabotage Within Russia
A recent power outage, far from a simple technical glitch, crippled a railway line in Russia’s Bryansk region, crucial for supplying arms and reinforcements near the Ukrainian border. The incident, attributed to a fire at a substation ignited by agents of the ‘Atesh’ partisan movement, signals a growing trend: resistance to the war isn’t confined to the front lines.
Atesh: A New Force in the Shadow War
Atesh, formed in September 2022 shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is a burgeoning partisan movement claiming responsibility for over half of the sabotage operations within Russian-controlled territories in 2025. Composed primarily of Crimean Tatars, but also including Ukrainians, Russians, and Belarusians, Atesh is actively targeting Russia’s infrastructure. “We are currently in an exhausting war, and the role of internal resistance is crucial,” the group stated on its Telegram channel.
Their strategy focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities within Russia’s energy grid and logistical networks. As one anonymous Atesh member told Al Jazeera, “We are working to achieve a systemic collapse of the Russian army from within. We ensure that every Russian soldier on our land feels uncertainty, and their logistics, equipment, and headquarters turn to ashes.”
Railways: The Achilles’ Heel of Russian Logistics
Since the beginning of the conflict, railways have become a prime target for sabotage. Initially, attacks focused on arson at draft offices. Now, the focus has shifted to disrupting the flow of supplies to Russian forces. This isn’t solely the work of Atesh. Groups like BOAK (the Combat Organization of Anarcho-Communists) and even mercenaries recruited online by Ukrainian intelligence are contributing to the disruption.
Olga Polischuk, research lead at the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), explains that many of these operations are coordinated by Ukrainian intelligence services (SZBU). “Sabotage operations are often coordinated by Ukrainian intelligence and the SZBU. The actions are carried out by individuals who support Ukraine or are rewarded for it. But sometimes they are coerced or deceived.” ACLED data indicates Atesh is responsible for over 50% of reported sabotage within Russian-controlled territory and beyond, including incidents like the arson of a locomotive in Rostov and the destruction of a communication tower at a defense factory near Moscow.
While independent verification of Atesh’s claims is difficult, the group consistently shares coordinates and video evidence of their actions on Telegram, adding a layer of credibility.
The Crimean Tatar Connection: A History of Resistance
The prominence of Crimean Tatars within Atesh is rooted in a painful history. Originally inhabiting the Crimean Peninsula, they faced centuries of oppression under the Russian Empire. The most devastating event occurred in 1944 when Stalin accused them of collaborating with Nazi Germany and ordered the deportation of the entire population to Central Asia – a tragedy known as Sürgünlik.
Ukraine recognizes this deportation as genocide. After decades of exile, return was only permitted relatively recently. Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, the Crimean Tatar parliament (Medzhlis) was banned and labeled a “terrorist organization,” and numerous activists disappeared, some found dead. This history fuels a deep-seated resentment and a determination to resist Russian occupation. “Our flame will burn until the last occupier leaves our land,” vowed one Atesh member.
The Future of Internal Resistance: Escalation and Innovation
The success of groups like Atesh highlights a shift in the nature of the conflict. Traditional warfare is being supplemented by a parallel shadow war fought within Russia itself. Several trends suggest this will continue and potentially escalate:
- Decentralization & Encryption: Atesh’s decentralized command structure and use of encrypted communication minimize the risk of infiltration by Russian security services. This model is likely to be adopted by other resistance groups.
- Technological Sophistication: Expect to see increased use of drones for reconnaissance and potentially for delivering small explosive devices. Cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure will also likely become more frequent.
- Expansion of Recruitment: Ukrainian intelligence will likely continue to actively recruit and train individuals within Russia, offering financial incentives or appealing to anti-war sentiments.
- Focus on Economic Disruption: Attacks will likely expand beyond military logistics to target key economic infrastructure, such as oil pipelines and energy facilities, aiming to weaken Russia’s ability to fund the war.
Did you know? The use of partisan warfare and sabotage has a long history in Russia, dating back to the Napoleonic Wars and World War II. The current situation represents a modern adaptation of these tactics.
The Impact on the War’s Trajectory
While internal resistance is unlikely to single-handedly overthrow the Russian government, it can significantly degrade Russia’s war effort. By disrupting supply lines, damaging infrastructure, and creating a climate of fear and uncertainty, these groups force Russia to divert resources to internal security, weakening its ability to prosecute the war in Ukraine. This internal pressure adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation for Moscow.
FAQ
Q: Is Atesh a terrorist organization?
A: Currently, Atesh is not officially designated as a terrorist organization by most international bodies. However, Russia considers it an extremist group and actively seeks to suppress its activities.
Q: How effective is the sabotage?
A: While quantifying the exact impact is difficult, reports suggest the sabotage has caused significant logistical challenges for Russian forces, delaying the delivery of supplies and equipment.
Q: What is the role of Ukrainian intelligence?
A: Ukrainian intelligence is believed to be coordinating and supporting some of these operations, providing training, funding, and logistical assistance.
Pro Tip: Understanding the historical context of Crimean Tatar resistance is crucial to grasping the motivations behind Atesh’s actions.
Explore further insights into the geopolitical landscape of the Ukraine conflict here (Council on Foreign Relations).
What are your thoughts on the role of internal resistance in modern warfare? Share your opinions in the comments below!
