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ABSTRACT
This paper examines how Russian citizens use nonpolitical civic activities to dissent against the war in Ukraine, based on James Scott’s idea of silent resistance. By studying a Telegram group helping Ukrainian war refugees, it explores the motivations and reasons for individuals’ involvement. The paper shows that loyal civic activism can be a form of opposition when protest or emigration is not possible. It highlights new trends in Russian civil society’s anti-war initiatives since the war began, emphasizing the rise of grassroots non-formalized activism amid increasing political repression and the decline of democracy under Putin.
Disclosure Statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1. From an interview with a member of the Uchitel trade union (conducted online December 4, 2023).
2. Elena Tofaniuk, Yulia Sapronova, “Россию после 21 сентября покинули около 700,000 граждан,” Forbes Russia October 4, 2022, https://www.forbes.ru/society/478827-rossiu-posle-21-sentabra-pokinuli-okolo-700-000-grazdan.
3. Interview with Svetlana Gannushkina conducted in-person by author October 1, 2024, Maryland, USA.
4. I do not name the chat here for the safety of the informants who are continuing their volunteer work in Russia. For the same reason, I do not provide the names of interview partners.
5. “Avtozak,” or “paddy wagon,” is a name for a vehicle used in Russia to transport prisoners.