** Live under occupation: the silent heroism of a people in the face of adversity **
The war in Ukraine, in progress since the large -scale invasion of the Russian forces in February 2022, revealed complex dynamics in the occupied territories. The situation of the Ukrainians living under occupation is marked by a mixture of resilience, fear and hope, as a woman member of the female resistance group Zla Mavka testifies. His statement according to which “it is difficult to imagine that evil can win” underlines a feeling deeply rooted in the psyche of people living in occupied areas.
### Silent resistance
This woman’s ability to stay there, while a massive exodus might seem a natural response, leads to reflect on the reasons for this choice. For many, the native land not only represents a home, but also an identity, a culture to be preserved despite foreign domination. In a context where the earth and identity are intimately linked, fleeing could be perceived not only as a geographic loss, but also as a symbolic defeat.
It is in this context that the work of Zla Mavka is part of the work, which leads a non-violent resistance. Their commitment to preserving Ukrainian culture in a hostile environment recalls that even under occupation, aspects of daily life, such as literature and traditions, remain forms of resistance. Hopefully “the occupation will end” becomes an act of courage, maintained despite the omnipresent fear that specifies their daily life.
### The brutal reality of the occupation
Testimonies like that of Stepan, a young man who has escaped detention and torture, highlight the brutality of the methods used by the occupation forces. With almost a fifth of Ukrainian territory under Russian control, the situation is particularly worrying. Arbitrary detentions, as well as the use of violence, are not exceptions but systematic realities indicated by independent observers.
Fear of reprisals and the need to comply with arbitrary rules generate a climate of terror. The distrust of those around him and the need to hide his true opinions reinforce a cycle of psychological violence that affects not only individuals, but also social cohesion within communities.
### The stake of culture in wartime
The effort of “russification” described by the member of Zla Mavka underlines an often neglected dimension in the discourse on contemporary conflicts. Culture and identity are not only accessory elements of societies, they constitute the base. Far from being a simple question of territory, the war in Ukraine questions the very essence of collective identities, redefining what it means to be Ukrainian or Russian.
The preservation of cultural elements by acts as simple as the dissemination of poems or the celebration of traditional hereditary festivals forms a significant act of resistance. In culture, feelings of belonging and identity can be powerful vectors of resilience in the face of oppression.
### A look to the future
Donald Trump’s declaration on the conflict – by emphasizing the need to end hostilities, even at the cost of territorial concessions – raises delicate questions about the future of the integrity of Ukraine. The tension between the desire to stop war and respect for the aspirations of the inhabitants of the occupied territories seems to illustrate the political nuances as much as individual sufferings.
While millions of Ukrainians continue to live under the occupation and many others have fled, it is essential to consider how occupation strategies can not only erase nations, but fragment individual lives and tear families. The priority must be given in search of a solution which not only ends the conflict but which also takes into account the voice of the Ukrainian people, from the occupied territories.
### Conclusion
Living under occupation is a challenge where hope coexists with despair. The testimonies of members of resistance groups like Zla Mavka and survivors like Stepan are not only accounts of suffering, but also fragments of hope. By lighting these voices, we plant the seeds of a deeper understanding of the issues that go beyond the sole question of borders. It is by becoming aware of these daily struggles that the international community can, perhaps, formulate responses which really generate a lasting peace and respectful of the aspirations of all.