Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago has not only attracted international condemnation, but has also created a partisan anti-war movement for Ukraine and democracy in Russia, which it also reached Belarus as a new wave country after the 2020 riots.
It is resistance to authoritarian regimes that hinders the Russian Federation’s military efforts. The article explores the origins and methods of this partisan movement and the challenges it faces.
The guerrilla movement, which operates against the governments in Moscow and Minsk, has targeted not only those in power, but also civilian supporters and the armed forces. In addition to the goal of stopping or preventing the war in Ukraine, they want to bring about political changes in their country.
Three opposition groups – the Russian Freedom Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps and the National Republican Army – are carrying out physical attacks. The three decided on August 31, 2022 to form an alliance called the Irpin Declaration, whose leader is former Russian State Duma deputy Ilya Ponomaryev. It is a political center that represents their interests before the Ukrainian state power and organizes a common information policy.
Ilya Ponomarjov on October 2, 2023 at the Free Russia Forum in Tallinn. Photo: Konstantin Sednev/Postimees Grupp
Anti-war activists claimed responsibility for some of these incidents; for example, 19 train derailments were recognized in the Amur region, which dramatically disrupted the Trans-Siberian railway. Sources call them “railway partisans” or “railway saboteurs.”
The movement also extends beyond the borders of Russia; there were reports of Belarusian railway workers helping to thwart a Russian attack on Kiev and of protests by Circassians playing a key role in opposing the Kremlin’s mobilization programme.
The timeline of events points to a growing opposition movement willing to use unconventional methods to express resistance.
The information presented in various sources refers to events related to sabotage, arson and resistance to the Russian government, especially in the context of (forced) mobilization. The activities are carried out by several groups and individuals who oppose the administration of the President of the Russian Federation. These activities involve a variety of tactics, including burning military service offices and warehouses, train derailments, and armed resistance in Dagestan and Ingushetia.
2023-12-30 19:44:00
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