October 05, 2023

Beware the Partisans


Beware the Partisans
A fire at night. Nickolas Titkov, Flickr

The advocacy initiative Zona Solidarnosti (Solidarity Zone), dedicated to supporting individuals persecuted for anti-war actions, reports that there have been almost 310 incidents of arson, explosions, and sabotage occurring in Russia over a period of 19 months as a consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

For their research, Zona Solidarnosti meticulously collected data on documented attacks from the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops. This involved an analysis of available information on successful militant actions that did not result in arrests. The research also took into account attacks on government facilities and infrastructure within the occupied territories of Ukraine, including incidents that led to the pursuit, apprehension, conviction, or ongoing trials of individuals under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

According to the research, more than 300 individuals have faced persecution for their involvement in these radical actions. Most of these individuals have been charged with terrorism, sabotage, and intentional destruction or damage to property. Of the total, 23 were involved in activities within the occupied territories of Ukraine. Six individuals lost their lives during confrontations with security forces during arrests, one committed suicide, and at least 37 have not been located or arrested.

A railroad sabotage made by members from BOAK, a Russian antiwar movement
Railroad sabotage by BOAK ,
a Russian antiwar movement |
t.me/boakom

Zona Solidarnosti pointed out that due to military censorship in areas under the control of the Russian army, there is a dearth of information regarding successful partisan actions. According to the research, authorities intentionally downplay the scale of resistance and its impact on military infrastructure. "Contrary to the portrayal presented by pro-Russian media, we are aware that a significant number of partisan actions have not resulted in subsequent arrests," says Zona Solidarnosti.

It is worth noting that Russian authorities expressed concerns about sabotage and other partisan activities during the first year of the Russian war in Ukraine. For instance, in December 2022, while delivering a congratulatory speech to commemorate Security Agency Workers Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for increased efforts by security services to counter new risks and threats. He specifically urged counterintelligence agencies to pursue spies and saboteurs and maintain continuous vigilance over areas where citizens gather, as well as strategic facilities, transportation, and energy infrastructure.

Subsequently, authorities introduced anti-sabotage amendments to the Criminal Code, introducing three new articles. The penalties for these offenses were significantly increased, with recruiting and persuading an individual to participate in sabotage now punishable by eight to 15 years in prison. Aiding sabotage carries a sentence of ten to 20 years, while organizing or sponsoring such activities results in a penalty of 15 to 20 years, and in all cases the sentence can be extended to life imprisonment.

Despite this crackdown, research conducted by Zona Solidarnosti indicates that partisan actions continue.

You Might Also Like

There Is Only Death There
  • September 28, 2023

There Is Only Death There

New statistics reveal that one in five mobilized Russians did not survive even two months in the Russian war in Ukraine.
They Took His Cross and Icons
  • September 05, 2023

They Took His Cross and Icons

A former priest of the Russian Orthodox Church was sentenced to three years in prison for "fakes" about the Russian army.
Scared and Suspicious
  • July 04, 2023

Scared and Suspicious

Nearly half of Russians distrust official information regarding the war in Ukraine.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of Our Books

The Frogs Who Begged for a Tsar (bilingual)

The Frogs Who Begged for a Tsar (bilingual)

The fables of Ivan Krylov are rich fonts of Russian cultural wisdom and experience – reading and understanding them is vital to grasping the Russian worldview. This new edition of 62 of Krylov’s tales presents them side-by-side in English and Russian. The wonderfully lyrical translations by Lydia Razran Stone are accompanied by original, whimsical color illustrations by Katya Korobkina.
The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.  
Steppe / Степь (bilingual)

Steppe / Степь (bilingual)

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.
Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.
Jews in Service to the Tsar

Jews in Service to the Tsar

Benjamin Disraeli advised, “Read no history: nothing but biography, for that is life without theory.” With Jews in Service to the Tsar, Lev Berdnikov offers us 28 biographies spanning five centuries of Russian Jewish history, and each portrait opens a new window onto the history of Eastern Europe’s Jews, illuminating dark corners and challenging widely-held conceptions about the role of Jews in Russian history.
The Little Golden Calf

The Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.
Woe From Wit (bilingual)

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.
Dostoyevsky Bilingual

Dostoyevsky Bilingual

Bilingual series of short, lesser known, but highly significant works that show the traditional view of Dostoyevsky as a dour, intense, philosophical writer to be unnecessarily one-sided. 
Fearful Majesty

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.
The Moscow Eccentric

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.
At the Circus (bilingual)

At the Circus (bilingual)

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955