James Waterhouse, a seasoned BBC correspondent covering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, joins Caitríona Perry to discuss the harsh realities faced by nearly 2,000 Ukrainians accused of collaborating with Russia. He shares compelling personal stories of individuals struggling under occupation and the complex legal landscape they navigate. The conversation also highlights Ukraine's bold military maneuvers, the shifting dynamics in the Kursk region, and the risks journalists endure while reporting from the frontlines of the war.
The broad application of collaboration laws in Ukraine leads to severe legal consequences for individuals, blurring the lines between survival and treason.
Recent Ukrainian military incursions into Russian territory signify a strategic shift aimed at disrupting Russian operations and influencing future negotiations.
Deep dives
Consequences of Collaboration in Ukraine
The legal framework in Ukraine regarding collaboration with occupying forces has led to severe consequences for many individuals, as outlined by the broad definition of collaboration. This includes not only those who actively support the invasion but also civilians who engage with occupying authorities out of necessity. For instance, Tetiana, a woman who sought aid for her neighbors, was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison due to her interactions with Russian officials. Such cases highlight the chilling effect of the legislation that punishes a wide spectrum of behaviors, often blurring the lines between genuine collaboration and mere survival tactics.
Personal Stories Reflecting the Impact of Occupation
The experiences of individuals like Tetiana and Dimitro illustrate the complex realities faced by Ukrainians living under occupation. Tetiana, despite her claims of innocence, finds herself incarcerated for what she viewed as humanitarian efforts, while Dimitro volunteered to assist in restoring power to his community under duress, facing similar consequences. These personal stories underscore the difficulty in determining intent and the often harsh legal repercussions that can arise from desperate circumstances. In these cases, the fear of retribution from occupying forces significantly influences people's choices, complicating their interactions with authorities and their communities.
The Broader Context of the Ukrainian Counteroffensive
Recent Ukrainian military activities, including a surprising incursion into Russian territory, suggest a shift in strategy aimed at revitalizing the conflict dynamics. This offensive is seen as an attempt to gain leverage for future negotiations and disrupt Russian military operations by creating fear among local populations. Despite this shift, the continued threat from Russian forces remains significant, with warnings about manpower shortages for Ukrainian troops. The success or failure of these recent maneuvers could have profound implications for the ongoing war, potentially altering Ukraine's defensive capabilities and the overall geopolitical landscape.
Almost 2,000 Ukrainians have been convicted of collaborating with Moscow since Russia's invasion of their country in 2022. But, the UN and others say the legislation under which they were sentenced is being applied too broadly, and fails to show empathy towards those living under occupation. As Kyiv focusses on a new front in the ground war inside Russia, we hear from eastern Ukraine, where some feel they have been unfairly targeted by their government.
The BBC's Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse, joins Caitríona Perry to recount the testimonies of those accused of collaboration, and discuss how the Kursk incursion could be impacting the ongoing defence effort inside Ukraine.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Laurie Kalus and Tom Kavanagh.
Sound Engineers: Phil Bull and Mike Regaard.
Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas.
Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.
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