How one Ukrainian resisted russian occupation for eight years (video)

04/15/2026

The Kyiv Independent’s Yuliia Taradiuk speaks with Artem Kariakin, a Ukrainian from Luhansk Oblast who spent eight years living under Russian occupation and covertly resisting it before escaping and joining the Ukrainian military. He explains how Russia established control in occupied territories, from early violence and propaganda to economic struggles and forced mobilization. The conversation also explores how occupation systems evolve over time, why resistance has become far more dangerous after 2022, and what this reveals about Russia’s broader strategy in Ukraine.

00:00 Pro-Ukrainian Donbas before 201401:40 Early resistance online
05:20 Russian forces enter Kadiivka
07:00 Economic struggle and mobilization
08:18 Russia’s hybrid war strategy
11:14 Support independent journalism in Ukraine
11:33 Life as a partisan before 2022
15:35 Leaving occupied territory
16:54 Resistance after 2022 crackdown
22:24 Entering Russia as a soldier
23:46 Ukraine vs. Russia occupation