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Civilian resistance in Ukraine
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the complexity and intensity of military operations in Ukraine have resulted in protection challenges rarely seen at such magnitude. The resulting devastation of civilian lives and livelihoods pose important questions about the existing conceptualizations of civilian harm mitigation (CHM) and Protection of Civilians (PoC) when applied to large-scale combat operations (LSCO). But where these concepts tend to focus on state (military) actions and responsibilities, Ukraine has also seen the widespread involvement of civilians in resistance efforts, both of a non-violent and kinetic nature. This characteristic of the war deserves attention as it may emerge in other large-scale conflicts. This briefing therefore looks at resistance activities in Ukraine and certain associated protection risks, before discussing possible implications for states and the mitigation measures that they should consider.
Western militaries have traditionally focused much of their attention on how to counter civilian resistance, particularly in counter-insurgency contexts. Ukrainian success with civilian resistance has, however, reignited interest in how to leverage similar actions in LSCO. Civilian resistance may be inevitable and even desirable from a self-defense perspective – but at the same time, certain actions and behavior can result in clear protection risks for civilians; an aspect of war that is rarely discussed. This briefing seeks to draw attention to the linkages between resistance, protection, and civilian harm, and should be considered the start of a conversation rather than any conclusive analysis.
You can read and/or download the full briefing below.
Note this publication is part of a larger series of briefings that delve into CHM- and Protection of Civilians-related aspects from Ukraine's defensive war against Russia. The series will consist of four briefings in total. You can find the first briefing in this series - on key takeaways for CHM in LSCO - here. The second briefing in this series - on evacuations as a means to protect civilians - can be found here.
About this report
Date of publication:
Mar 20, 2025
Author:
Erin Bijl & Marco Grandi
Publisher:
PAX
Period:
March 2025
Topic
Civilian Harm
