In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian government has implemented strict measures to suppress dissent. However, brave citizens have found creative ways to protest, risking imprisonment and worse. Some activists write anti-war slogans on walls, banknotes, and even grocery store price tags. The Economist reports that the color green, representing the blue and yellow of Ukraine’s flag, has become a symbol of resistance, with activists wearing green ribbons in their hair or tying them to fences.
The protests take on various forms, from concerts featuring Ukrainian music to individuals kneeling in front of a statue of Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka in Moscow. Memorials for deceased Ukrainians are created, adorned with bouquets and toys. Some protests extend beyond symbolic gestures, with trains carrying weapons being derailed en route to the front. One activist, who set up a pirate radio station before the war, was sentenced to three years in prison for broadcasting anti-war content. Although his station had a limited reach, security services were monitoring his activities closely.
Vladimir Rumyantsev, a factory worker in his early 60s, communicated with journalist Filipp Dzyadko, sharing his story through his lawyer. Despite having his life savings confiscated, Rumyantsev has no regrets about speaking out. He faced a difficult choice between house arrest and prison, ultimately opting for the latter due to the fear of starvation under house arrest, as his only living relative supports the war. It is a tragic situation when family members find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict.
Dissent in Russia is also reflected in reading choices. After the invasion, George Orwell’s “1984” became a best-seller, signaling a growing resistance to Putin’s regime and its slide toward totalitarianism. Readers of nonfiction turned to books that shed light on life in Nazi Germany, such as Sebastian Haffner’s memoir “Defying Hitler.” These books reveal similarities between the persecution of dissenters, the coordination of public life with the regime, and the willingness of ordinary people to conform.
These acts of dissent in Russia demonstrate the resilience and courage of individuals who refuse to be silenced. Despite the risks they face, they are determined to speak out against the war and the oppressive regime. Their creative and symbolic forms of protest serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of resistance.
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