Russia has crushed open defiance in occupied Ukraine. Scholar Jade McGlynn explains how the resistance went underground to survive.

The podcast explores Ukrainian resistance in Russian-occupied territories, focusing on its evolution since 2022. Dr. Jade McGlynn, Head of the Ukraine and Russia program at King's College London, details how initial public defiance shifted to covert operations due to increased Russian repression. The discussion highlights the critical role of intelligence gathering, with 90% of resistance involving sending coordinates to Ukrainian forces. McGlynn notes the disproportionate involvement of middle-aged women in administrative roles, providing crucial information while facing less scrutiny. The conversation also differentiates the occupation regimes across regions like Crimea, Donbas, and newly occupied areas, noting variations in control and economic marginalization, further the discussion also touches on the impact of battlefield dynamics and diplomatic efforts on Ukrainian morale and resistance.