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

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.
Murder and the Muse

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.
The Little Humpbacked Horse (bilingual)

The Little Humpbacked Horse (bilingual)

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.
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. 
Murder at the Dacha

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.
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.
Moscow and Muscovites

Moscow and Muscovites

Vladimir Gilyarovsky's classic portrait of the Russian capital is one of Russians’ most beloved books. Yet it has never before been translated into English. Until now! It is a spectactular verbal pastiche: conversation, from gutter gibberish to the drawing room; oratory, from illiterates to aristocrats; prose, from boilerplate to Tolstoy; poetry, from earthy humor to Pushkin. 
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.
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.
Fish: A History of One Migration

Fish: A History of One Migration

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.
Maria's War: A Soldier's Autobiography

Maria's War: A Soldier's Autobiography

This astonishingly gripping autobiography by the founder of the Russian Women’s Death Battallion in World War I is an eye-opening documentary of life before, during and after the Bolshevik Revolution.

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