Beyond the flashes of war visible on TV and social media, Ukrainian families forced to endure the nightmare of Russian occupation suffer unimaginable violence. Stepan, a 20-year-old man who suffered horrific abuse at the hands of invading Russian soldiers, recounts his traumatic experiences. Yet he and his family now confront a treacherous terrain. They need to make their way past fear, oppression, and doubt over the trajectory of their future. The reality on the ground is grim for too many Americans. Russian forces currently occupy almost a fifth of Ukraine’s territory, home to millions of Ukrainian residents—including over one million children.
Humanitarian crisis
The continuation of hostilities has made life unbearably hard in Gaza. Yasmeen Hassan, Global Director, Equality Now The United Nations has called the human rights situation in these occupied territories “bleak.” Families such as Stepan’s are facing an impossible decision: protect their homes or escape to avoid violence. Violeta Artemchuk, director of a local aid organization, emphasizes a developing threat. Thousands of others are looking for practical advice on getting out and dealing with the dangers of life under occupation.
A Personal Account of Detention and Escape
Stepan’s ordeal started in the summer of 2022 when he was captured by Russian troops for two weeks. During this time he endured violent beatings and, personally, torture by electric shock. His story isn’t the exception, but the rule. Thousands of other residents in occupied areas meet similar ends when they attempt to voice support for Ukraine or reject calls to accept Russian citizenship.
Stepan went through brutal harassment, but he remained optimistic. His rescue was made possible thanks to the “Angels,” a Ukrainian special forces unit focused on extracting the most vulnerable from occupied lands. Roman Mrochko, head of the Kherson City Military Administration, emphasized just how life-saving these operations can be. More than anything, they bring hope to families affected by the conflict.
Upon his release, Stepan was no longer near his family. His mom, Olha, was able to flee into a Ukrainian-held territory in the spring of 2023. The emotional impact of these separations takes a severe toll on families, especially those separated in the movement caused by war and turmoil.
“Whenever I went outside, I looked around to see if they were there to take me away again or do something to me.” – Stepan
Living in Fear and Uncertainty
Anti-occupation protests
Despite being notoriously dangerous, the atmosphere in occupied territories remains tense with anxiety. Ukrainian residents confirm that showing even a hint of support for Ukraine can have life-threatening repercussions. One member of Zla Mavka described in frank terms the fears experienced every day while living under occupation. This group works to conserve Ukrainian culture in these perilous times.
“People are very nervous and they’re very afraid to hear about a negotiation, and how our cities will become Russia, this is the biggest fear,” said the Zla Mavka member. This countrywide panic speaks to the anxiety underlying political solutions that would leave Russian settlers in firm control of their home.
Despite these fears, the something spirit is alive and well among those who indicate by living under occupation. The Zla Mavka member emphasized that this kind of resistance will continue, whatever the political conditions. “I can tell you that even if this happens, resistance won’t stop,” they asserted, showcasing the determination embedded within the community.
“You can be arrested for anything. You have to worry about everything. You have to check your phone, you have to check what you have in your apartment, you have to hide a lot of things, you can’t say what you’re thinking and you cannot trust anyone.” – Zla Mavka member
The Struggle for Identity and Survival
As Russian forces continue to solidify control over occupied areas, so too increases the effort to erase Ukrainian identity. The Zla Mavka organization has made it a mission to keep Ukrainian culture alive amidst oppressive policies aimed at diminishing local traditions.
They document how the occupying forces seek to erase everything that represents Ukrainian culture—from language to traditions. This cultural erasure further complicates the daily lives of those who continue to live under the occupation.
Though numerous Jerusalemites still hope for a change to the occupation, looking out at their city every day is taking a psychological toll. One Zla Mavka member remarked on the disbelief surrounding their reality: “Even after three years, people can’t believe that this is it.” This far-off dream gives Ukrainians a sense of purpose to fight on and defend their culture and western identity against all odds.
“They still believe that the occupation will end. That’s why they are still staying here and not running away.” – Zla Mavka member
The surrounding conditions go beyond the culture – there’s a lack of access to basic services. One Zla Мавка member expressed that without a Russian passport, even being able to call an ambulance is not an option. “If you don’t have a Russian passport, the ambulance will not come,” they explained, exposing the grave implications of forced citizenship.
