LIFE AND DEATH IN RUSSIAN-OCCUPIED UKRAINE

This episode of The IWP Podcast provides an overview of the situation in Ukraine, focusing on the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and the ongoing conflict in the occupied territories. Elina Beketova shares her personal experiences and insights into the tactics used by Russia to control and influence the local population, particularly the youth, as well as the various forms of resistance and defiance against the occupation. The discussion also explores the challenges faced by Ukraine and the international community in addressing the crisis and the need for a more proactive and coordinated approach to deter Russia's aggression and support Ukraine's efforts to regain control of its territories.Podcast Show NotesGuest: Elina Beketova, Distinguished Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)Elina Beketova is a distinguished fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) where she has made significant contributions through her insightful articles on critical issues affecting Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Born and raised in Crimea, Elina has worked as a journalist, editor, and TV anchor in Ukraine before moving to the United States to work with CEPA.Main Topics Discussed:- Elina's experiences growing up in free Crimea and the changes after Russia's illegal occupation in 2014 (00:01:39)- The tactics Russia uses to brainwash and indoctrinate youth in occupied areas of Ukraine (00:06:59)- Examples of resistance and defiance against the Russian occupation in Crimea and other regions (00:14:36)- Potential strategies for reintegrating Crimea and other occupied territories back into Ukraine after liberation (00:24:37)- Challenges in getting the international community to provide Ukraine with the necessary military support to counter Russia's aggression (00:43:39)Where to Find:- Elina Beketova: [https://cepa.org/author/elina-beketova/]- Host Jim Robbins: [https://www.iwp.edu/leadership/james-s-robbins/]Key References:- Institute of World Politics (IWP): Private independent graduate school of national security and international affairs in Washington, DC (00:00:00)- Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA): Think tank focused on Central and Eastern Europe (00:00:43)- Crimea: Ukrainian peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 (00:01:39)- Unarmia and Movement of the First: Russian propaganda youth organizations operating in occupied Ukraine (00:13:20)- Filtration centers: Checkpoints where Russia detains Ukrainians in occupied territories (00:17:40)- Ateš: Alleged Ukrainian partisan movement operating in Crimea (00:19:52)- National Resistance Center: Ukrainian military body coordinating partisan activities (00:22:36)---