Full Breakdown
Ukrainian Resistance in Occupied Territories: Insights from New Report
1/24/2026, 7:36:14 AM
Overview of the Resistance Movement
As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) provides a detailed examination of the Ukrainian resistance in territories occupied by Moscow. This report highlights the challenges faced by resistance fighters, who operate under constant surveillance and face significant risks, including enforced disappearances to undisclosed locations.
Key Findings from the Report
Dr. Jade McGlynn, the author of the report and Head of the Ukraine and Russia programme at King's College London, emphasizes the precarious situation of resistance fighters. According to her, the environment in occupied Ukraine is fraught with danger, as these individuals are subjected to relentless monitoring by occupying forces. The report underscores the resilience of the underground movement despite these severe challenges.
Implications of Ongoing Peace Talks
In a related development, high-level officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia are scheduled to meet for peace talks in Abu Dhabi on January 23, 2024. This meeting marks the first direct engagement among these parties since the onset of the conflict in February 2022. However, there are indications that the negotiations may not lead to significant progress, as Ukraine remains steadfast in its refusal to cede the Donetsk region, which constitutes 20% of the contested Donbas area.
Criticism of International Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently delivered a critical address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he accused European leaders of lacking the political will to support Ukraine adequately. This shift in tone may be a strategic effort to maintain U.S. support, particularly from Vice President JD Vance. Ukrainian officials express concerns regarding genuine security threats in the Arctic, which they believe are being overlooked by European nations.
Key Figures in the Negotiations
Among the participants in the upcoming peace talks is Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's wealth fund and a significant figure in Moscow's negotiations with U.S. representatives. Dmitriev's background as a U.S.-educated business mogul has positioned him as a crucial player in advocating for Russian interests during these discussions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the CSIS report provides a comprehensive overview of the resistance in occupied Ukraine, there remains a lack of detailed information regarding the specific strategies employed by resistance fighters and the extent of international support they receive. Additionally, the outcomes of the upcoming peace talks remain uncertain, with no clear indicators of potential concessions from either side.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She explains that resistance fighters in occupied Ukraine are 'pretty much under constant surveillance and that the risks are incredibly high' with routine enforced disappearances to black sites.” — Dr. Jade McGlynn, Head of Ukraine and Russia programme, King's College London.
