Since 2022, agents of the underground resistance movement Atesh have relentlessly carried out brutal sabotage against the Russian army. Djohar, leading a group of agents, takes us behind the scenes.
Russia needs to understand that their force & attacks will NEVER suppress freedom of thought, nor will it stop anyone from doing the right thing to trip them up. Well done, Ukraine, and everyone who helps them.
Thank you for your support! Indeed, no force can suppress freedom of thought, and Ukraine’s resilience proves that doing the right thing always matters.
What do you think is the most effective way for people far from the conflict to help?
Well, we hosted a Ukrainian family of 7 from Kharkiv for nearly 3 years. They are now on their own in Swansea, all boys in school & both parents working. We are now trying to get both sets of parents here. While they seem to be relatively safe in the homes they built (so far) outside of the city, Larysa's mom works in the downtown area during the week & keeps a flat there... which makes both of us highly anxious until we know she's safe after a night of bombing & drones.
If people can afford it, they should try to support the various fighting units with donations & such. A lady in our village coordinates the sending of at least one ambulance a month loaded with medical supplies to Ukraine. People need to stay educated, and not necessarily rely on their local press coverage which is often full of mistakes or outright lies. Support people like you guys, or Kiev Independent... journalists like that.
Follow the people online who are actively supplying and/or fighting on the ground; learn what is working and what is not working. Let them know you are listening.. I also follow a number of Ukrainian press or other knowledgeable Ukrainians who are living or witnessing the things that are happening via Telegram. I follow two women from Kharkiv who had to evacuate and leave their parents behind, so understanding the anguish & anxiousness helps me to understand the mental toll this takes on them. Being there to listen and support seems to help.
In addition to the active support of money or living accommodations, I'm trying to bear witness to what is happening. Russia... the leader of that country is a criminal and a psychopath, and he will not stop until he is stopped. If we can bear witness to the atrocities and try to help the survivors, then we can be part of the world that prevents the repetition of history... because much of the world seems to have forgotten that lesson.
I wish I could state with confidence that I would the join the Resistance if my country were invaded, but even when I was younger & healthier, I do not know whether I would have the courage to do the sort things Atash are doing! Today, I am an unhealthy, retiree, so I think only desk positions would be appropriate. But I admire, without reservation, the courage of Atash, and wish them every success in their righteous struggle against 💩🥫and the evil Orcs.
Thank you, Nigel! It’s really heartwarming to read this 🙏 It’s important that you would still do something for your country — every contribution matters.
The cretinuous MAGA-otts are making a 10% profit on weapons they are selling, not giving, for Ukraine? Just when you think they can't sink any lower.....
Honestly, I’m angry about this too. Calling it ‘assistance’ while making a profit from Ukraine’s suffering feels wrong. I understand they justify it as covering costs, but in the middle of a brutal war it just sounds cynical.
Don’t you think this approach harms the allies’ reputation more than it helps Ukraine?
Isn’t it dangerous writing about this? Is the purpose to show Trump Russia doesn’t hold all the cards? 55000 Ukrainians forced to fight for Russia??? That story needs to be followed up. Other than the 2500, how have rest acted?
Atesh are aware of the risks, so they did not provide details that could expose them or are particularly sensitive. This is all just a general outline of their activities
But what about, the situation with Ukrainians forced to fight on Russia’s side, it is indeed serious and requires further coverage.
This is admittedly very silly, but I am curious about whether folks in Ukraine ever saw the old American TV show "Hogan's Heroes"? It was set in a German prisoner of war camp and featured an international team of saboteurs who managed to wreak havoc behind enemy lines because their captors were comically incompetent. I recommend it as a lighthearted take on the deadly necessity of sabotage in wartime.
Thank god for Atesh and all partisans who do such dangerous work. There are so many miles of railroad tracks and highway asphalt between Rostov and Crimea just waiting to be blown up. As well as all of Russia’s military assets in occupied Ukraine. Their courageous work is invaluable.
Absolutely 🙌 The work of Atesh and all partisans is truly invaluable. Every act of resistance brings Ukraine closer to victory, and their courage inspires many.
What do you think motivates partisans the most in their struggle?
I find solace in the work (and achievements) of Atesh. No Russian military officer or government official can lead a "normal" life, even if located thousands of miles from the front lines. Assassination is a constant, credible threat. They should always feel the uncertainty and the terror of having to look behind their own backs. I sarcastically hope Putin enjoyed the brief sunshine while walking across the red carpet outside in Anchorage - it was perhaps the first time in months (years?) that he has been outside......
I completely agree with you. The Russian and Ukrainian spirit are entirely different (if Russia even has one, considering their fear of resisting).
What do you think stops Russians from standing up against the dictatorship? In my opinion, fear is not the main factor, because Ukrainians are also afraid, yet they resist.
Regarding your poll...We fat, lazy, and complacent Americans are about to find out if we are up for becoming underground resistance saboteurs. Armed military troops are gearing up to spread out across our country (in population centers that did not vote for the current regime) to "put us in our place."
We will find out if we citizens are up for the fight.
You’re right, this moment will show whether people are willing to resist or remain passive. Unity will be key if it comes to that. But do you think even those who aren’t very brave will be able to find the courage to stand up?
🥹 I said "no" to being brave enough, BUT there are SMALL things I would be prepared to do for someone I trusted 🤔 Of course it shows the arrogance of Putin/Russians in thinking they can take over someone else's territory without internal resistance, and as for making them fight? Talk about "the enemy within" who could wait their chance & sabotage or assassinate if they get angry enough about what is being done to their relatives & their country... 🤷 I hope every day that the heroes & heroines of Ukraine, seen and unseen, live to see genuine peace & return to their homes & families to help rebuild 💙💛🫂
Russia needs to understand that their force & attacks will NEVER suppress freedom of thought, nor will it stop anyone from doing the right thing to trip them up. Well done, Ukraine, and everyone who helps them.
Thank you for your support! Indeed, no force can suppress freedom of thought, and Ukraine’s resilience proves that doing the right thing always matters.
What do you think is the most effective way for people far from the conflict to help?
Well, we hosted a Ukrainian family of 7 from Kharkiv for nearly 3 years. They are now on their own in Swansea, all boys in school & both parents working. We are now trying to get both sets of parents here. While they seem to be relatively safe in the homes they built (so far) outside of the city, Larysa's mom works in the downtown area during the week & keeps a flat there... which makes both of us highly anxious until we know she's safe after a night of bombing & drones.
If people can afford it, they should try to support the various fighting units with donations & such. A lady in our village coordinates the sending of at least one ambulance a month loaded with medical supplies to Ukraine. People need to stay educated, and not necessarily rely on their local press coverage which is often full of mistakes or outright lies. Support people like you guys, or Kiev Independent... journalists like that.
Follow the people online who are actively supplying and/or fighting on the ground; learn what is working and what is not working. Let them know you are listening.. I also follow a number of Ukrainian press or other knowledgeable Ukrainians who are living or witnessing the things that are happening via Telegram. I follow two women from Kharkiv who had to evacuate and leave their parents behind, so understanding the anguish & anxiousness helps me to understand the mental toll this takes on them. Being there to listen and support seems to help.
In addition to the active support of money or living accommodations, I'm trying to bear witness to what is happening. Russia... the leader of that country is a criminal and a psychopath, and he will not stop until he is stopped. If we can bear witness to the atrocities and try to help the survivors, then we can be part of the world that prevents the repetition of history... because much of the world seems to have forgotten that lesson.
Thank you Carol for all you do. Incredible work.
Carol, you have big heart, and your actions inspire me! Thank you for your support! ❤️
Yeah... sometimes too big. But I try to do the right thing. And thank you for your encouragement.
I wish I could state with confidence that I would the join the Resistance if my country were invaded, but even when I was younger & healthier, I do not know whether I would have the courage to do the sort things Atash are doing! Today, I am an unhealthy, retiree, so I think only desk positions would be appropriate. But I admire, without reservation, the courage of Atash, and wish them every success in their righteous struggle against 💩🥫and the evil Orcs.
Thank you, Nigel! It’s really heartwarming to read this 🙏 It’s important that you would still do something for your country — every contribution matters.
The cretinuous MAGA-otts are making a 10% profit on weapons they are selling, not giving, for Ukraine? Just when you think they can't sink any lower.....
Honestly, I’m angry about this too. Calling it ‘assistance’ while making a profit from Ukraine’s suffering feels wrong. I understand they justify it as covering costs, but in the middle of a brutal war it just sounds cynical.
Don’t you think this approach harms the allies’ reputation more than it helps Ukraine?
Yes I do but I have come to expect from the toxic regime of trump. Slava Ukraine.
Isn’t it dangerous writing about this? Is the purpose to show Trump Russia doesn’t hold all the cards? 55000 Ukrainians forced to fight for Russia??? That story needs to be followed up. Other than the 2500, how have rest acted?
Atesh are aware of the risks, so they did not provide details that could expose them or are particularly sensitive. This is all just a general outline of their activities
But what about, the situation with Ukrainians forced to fight on Russia’s side, it is indeed serious and requires further coverage.
Thank you for pointing this out. Stay safe !
This is admittedly very silly, but I am curious about whether folks in Ukraine ever saw the old American TV show "Hogan's Heroes"? It was set in a German prisoner of war camp and featured an international team of saboteurs who managed to wreak havoc behind enemy lines because their captors were comically incompetent. I recommend it as a lighthearted take on the deadly necessity of sabotage in wartime.
Honestly, I’ve never even heard of that show! I’ll definitely have to check it out sometime. Thank you, Angela!
Thank god for Atesh and all partisans who do such dangerous work. There are so many miles of railroad tracks and highway asphalt between Rostov and Crimea just waiting to be blown up. As well as all of Russia’s military assets in occupied Ukraine. Their courageous work is invaluable.
Absolutely 🙌 The work of Atesh and all partisans is truly invaluable. Every act of resistance brings Ukraine closer to victory, and their courage inspires many.
What do you think motivates partisans the most in their struggle?
To rid the world of evil.
I find solace in the work (and achievements) of Atesh. No Russian military officer or government official can lead a "normal" life, even if located thousands of miles from the front lines. Assassination is a constant, credible threat. They should always feel the uncertainty and the terror of having to look behind their own backs. I sarcastically hope Putin enjoyed the brief sunshine while walking across the red carpet outside in Anchorage - it was perhaps the first time in months (years?) that he has been outside......
I completely agree with you. The Russian and Ukrainian spirit are entirely different (if Russia even has one, considering their fear of resisting).
What do you think stops Russians from standing up against the dictatorship? In my opinion, fear is not the main factor, because Ukrainians are also afraid, yet they resist.
Hoping there is some good news from any negotiations, however big or small that news might be. Stay safe, everybody.
Regarding your poll...We fat, lazy, and complacent Americans are about to find out if we are up for becoming underground resistance saboteurs. Armed military troops are gearing up to spread out across our country (in population centers that did not vote for the current regime) to "put us in our place."
We will find out if we citizens are up for the fight.
You’re right, this moment will show whether people are willing to resist or remain passive. Unity will be key if it comes to that. But do you think even those who aren’t very brave will be able to find the courage to stand up?
This is by far one of the best articles I've ever read here. Extraordinary stuff!
🥹 I said "no" to being brave enough, BUT there are SMALL things I would be prepared to do for someone I trusted 🤔 Of course it shows the arrogance of Putin/Russians in thinking they can take over someone else's territory without internal resistance, and as for making them fight? Talk about "the enemy within" who could wait their chance & sabotage or assassinate if they get angry enough about what is being done to their relatives & their country... 🤷 I hope every day that the heroes & heroines of Ukraine, seen and unseen, live to see genuine peace & return to their homes & families to help rebuild 💙💛🫂