One-fifth of Ukraine remains under Russian control, with little prospect of change for occupied citizens, even with a future peace agreement. The BBC spoke with three Ukrainians (Mavka, Pavlo, and Iryna – pseudonyms used for their protection) in different Russian-controlled cities, detailing the pressures they face.
The dangers are consistent, whether in Mariupol and Melitopol (seized in 2022) or Crimea (annexed in 2014).
Mavka, a lifelong Melitopol resident, stayed “because it’s unfair for someone to take my home.” She’s witnessed increased “Russification” and militarization, including school programs featuring pro-Russian propaganda, military uniforms, and Putin’s image.
In Mariupol, Pavlo describes the city as isolated from the outside world following the devastating 2022 siege. Russian citizenship is mandatory for work, education, or medical care. He explains that even minor acts of dissent, such as refusing to sing the Russian anthem, can lead to FSB intervention and reprisal.
Pavlo, a war survivor, remains due to elderly relatives. He states that securing property is the primary concern in Mariupol, with most damaged buildings demolished, driving up living costs and unemployment.
In Crimea, Iryna stayed to care for family and protect her home. Public displays of Ukrainian identity are banned; speaking Ukrainian is risky. Even in preschool, children sing the Russian anthem daily, taught by predominantly Russian teachers, many spouses of soldiers.
Iryna privately wears her vyshyvanka (embroidered shirt) during video calls, a small act of defiance. However, even this carries significant risk. She recounts an incident where a Ukrainian friend was questioned by police due to accusations from recent Russian arrivals.
Resistance is perilous. Mavka participates in a clandestine female resistance network, “Zla Mavka” (Angry Mavka), which operates across occupied cities. Their actions range from displaying Ukrainian symbols to allegedly sabotaging Russian supplies.
The network faces significant risks, as exemplified by the case of Viktoriia Roshchyna, a journalist who disappeared while investigating torture prisons and was later found dead with signs of torture. Mavka fears “silent disappearance” most.
Mavka’s network employs stringent security measures, but their goal remains to demonstrate continued Ukrainian presence and hope for liberation. They closely monitor events in Kyiv, believing Kyiv’s actions are crucial to their situation.
Fear exists that a ceasefire could solidify Russian control, mirroring Crimea’s fate. Mavka highlights the ongoing replacement of Ukrainian residents with Russian settlers but vows continued resistance, albeit more subtly.
Pavlo, while favoring an end to the war, acknowledges the difficult ethical considerations of any peace agreement, questioning the sacrifices made if a settlement were to leave occupied territories under Russian rule.
Iryna expresses deep concern for Crimea’s youth, raised in an environment of violence and aggression, exemplified by an incident where a child shot her cat with a rubber bullet.
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