Commemorating Day of Russian Occupation of Crimea: Kyiv Forum Honors Personal Stories of Resistance

As Ukraine marks the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of Crimea, the Crimea Platform  is leading a new social initiative to amplify awareness about Russia’s ongoing repression in the region, as part of the events marking 11 years since the occupation of the peninsula.

“The event serves as a reminder that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine began in late February 2014 with the occupation of Crimea and that true freedom will only return to the peninsula once it is fully liberated,” the statement reads.

Events in Kyiv and beyond will highlight the stories of those who continue to fight for Crimea’s liberation, with a special focus on political prisoner Bohdan Ziza , according to Crimea Daily on February 26.

Ziza, a Crimean activist imprisoned by Russian authorities for protesting the occupation, will be honored at a charity concert in Kyiv on February 28. The event, organized by Crimea Daily in partnership with the Crimea Platform, aims to engage audiences across generations in discussions about Crimea. A central moment of the concert will be the premiere of the song by Hatespeech, inspired by Ziza’s resistance, along with a music video directed by Akhtem Seitablaiev. 

“This year, the Forum highlights personal stories and experiences of Ukrainian citizens enduring the war that began 11 years ago with the occupation of Crimea. A key focus will be the challenges posed by the Russian occupation of Ukraine and the strategies to mitigate its consequences,” Crimea Daily wrote.

“Another crucial aspect of the Forum will be discussions on mechanisms and approaches to keeping Crimea on the international agenda, particularly amid growing political crises, geopolitical turbulence, emerging armed conflicts, and globally significant events.”

The concert will feature performances by artists from both Crimea and mainland Ukraine, including Krykhitka, Tonka, Provulok, FAHOT (TNMK), and 18school. Proceeds from the event will support a joint fundraising initiative by the Office of the President’s Representative in Crimea and the Come Back Alive Foundation, aiming to raise 3.2 million UAH (approximately $77,125) for electronic warfare and reconnaissance equipment for Ukraine’s Southern Air Command.

Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol, established by a decree of the President of Ukraine in 2020, commemorates the mass protests in 2014 when thousands of Ukrainians gathered in Simferopol to defend the peninsula from Russian repression.