26 February 2025
February 26 — Day of Resistance to Occupation of Crimea
February 26 has become a symbol of the courage and resilience of Ukrainian citizens. It is a day when people united to defend their land, freedom, rights, and values. In 2014, thousands of people—Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars—gathered outside the building of the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, refusing to stand aside when Ukraine’s territorial integrity was at stake.
While Ukrainians on the Maidan fought for their freedom, Russia launched a deceitful attack, activating its pre-planned pro-Russian forces in Crimea.
However, another voice has always existed in Crimea—the voice of resistance. On February 26, responding to the call of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, thousands of Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, activists, and concerned citizens gathered outside the Crimean parliament. They chanted “Crimea is Ukraine!”, determined to prevent pro-Russian MPs from passing an illegal resolution on the so-called “self-determination of Crimea.” Opposing them were pro-Russian forces and Russian operatives posing as civilians, who had been brought in ahead of time. Under the pressure of the protesters, the illegal session of the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea was canceled.
But by the morning of February 27, everything had changed. Russian special forces—”little green men” without insignia—seized key administrative buildings. Crimea was thrown into a new reality—one of fear, repression, and deception. Ukrainian TV channels were shut down and replaced by a wave of powerful Russian propaganda. The world watched as Russia occupied Crimea, yet Kremlin-controlled media insisted that Crimeans had “chosen” their new path.
Ukrainian military units were besieged. Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians brought them food, passed along phones, and supported them however they could. Though many Ukrainian military bases were eventually captured, our soldiers regrouped on mainland Ukraine, determined to continue the fight. And today, they are still resisting.
Russia brought repression to Crimea. Mass persecutions, arrests, torture, and enforced disappearances became the new reality. Fabricated charges were used to silence those who resisted. People were intimidated, imprisoned, and brutally tortured—some were murdered, while others vanished without a trace. Any sign of dissent became a deadly risk.
Yet, the resistance in Crimea has not faded—even 11 years later. Organized resistance movements continue their fight, reminding the occupiers every day that Crimea is Ukraine.
Resistance has names. In 2022, artist Bohdan Ziza poured paint on an occupation administration building as a symbol of protest, for which he was arrested and imprisoned. Server Mustafaiev, a human rights defender who exposed the occupiers’ crimes, was detained in 2018 and sentenced to 14 years in a high-security prison. Iryna Danylovych, a Ukrainian activist, was abducted by occupiers and sentenced to seven years on fabricated charges; despite imprisonment, she remains a powerful symbol of the fight for human rights and freedom.
Hundreds of other Crimean political prisoners have faced the same fate. The occupation administration systematically persecutes Crimean residents for supporting Ukraine, expressing Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar identity, refusing to remain silent, and showing any form of resistance against Russian aggression.
In 2020, by a decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, February 26 was officially recognized as the Day of Resistance to Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. But this day is not only about remembrance—it is about an ongoing struggle. About people who refuse to abandon their beliefs. About a future that we will rebuild, no matter what. United for each other.
Thank you to everyone resisting the Russian occupation!
Crimea will be liberated! Glory to Ukraine!