Partisan in Ukraine

by Benjamin Cook

Ukraine continues to keep the battlefield dynamic and asymmetrical. One of the most underreported yet vital elements of Ukraine’s strategy is its systematic campaign of targeted assassinations and robust partisan activity in the occupied territories. The recent elimination of Valery Trankovsky, Head of HQ of Missile Ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, is a prime example. This strike is part of a broader, coordinated effort that’s quietly shaping the course of the conflict by destabilizing Russian control in these areas.

Targeted Assassinations: The Precision Tool

Ukraine’s use of targeted killings has become a signature tactic, demonstrating both strategic foresight and tactical execution. The focus has been on key figures: Russian-appointed administrators, military commanders, and collaborators who facilitate the occupation. By selectively removing these individuals, Ukraine disrupts the enemy’s chain of command, lowers morale, and sends a chilling message to anyone aiding the occupation.

An example is the assassination of Dmitry Savluchenko, a pro-Russian official in Kherson, who was killed by a car bomb in June 2022. His death was part of a series of high-profile strikes, showcasing how Ukraine leverages its intelligence capabilities. These operations are often conducted in collaboration with local partisan groups, underscoring a well-coordinated resistance movement that integrates seamlessly with Ukraine’s broader military strategy.

The Rise of Partisan Activity

While assassinations make headlines, the backbone of this campaign lies with the local partisan networks operating in the occupied regions. These partisans are the unsung heroes of Ukraine’s resistance, consisting of former military personnel, civilian volunteers, and local patriots who refuse to bow to Russian rule. Their operations are diverse, ranging from classic sabotage to intelligence gathering, and they have become a persistent thorn in Russia’s side.

In Melitopol, partisan groups have been highly active, targeting Russian logistics and military infrastructure. In mid-2023, a partisan cell bombed a rail line used by Russian forces to transport military equipment, causing significant delays. This kind of disruption is critical as it hampers the flow of supplies, complicating Russia’s ability to maintain its military presence in the region.

Leveraging Technology: Drones and Modern Guerrilla Warfare

Modern partisan operations in Ukraine have evolved beyond the traditional guerrilla tactics of World War II. Today, Ukrainian partisans utilize advanced technology, including small UAVs, to conduct reconnaissance and direct attacks. In one notable incident in October 2023, partisans in Luhansk used drones to drop explosives on a gathering of Russian officers, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking officials.

These UAVs provide a tactical advantage, allowing partisans to operate with a level of precision and reach previously unattainable. They serve as both a force multiplier and a psychological weapon, demonstrating that no target, even in the heart of occupied territory, is beyond the reach of Ukraine’s resistance.

The Psychological Impact: Fear and Mistrust Among Occupiers

Beyond the immediate tactical benefits, these assassinations and partisan activities have a significant psychological impact on Russian forces and collaborators. The pervasive threat of attack creates an atmosphere of fear and paranoia, which undermines the morale of occupation forces and complicates their efforts to establish control. Russian-appointed officials now live in constant fear of being targeted, which affects their willingness to remain in these roles. Several Russian administrators in Kherson have reportedly resigned or fled following a wave of assassinations and threats.

This fear is compounded by the reprisals that Russian forces often conduct in response to partisan attacks. In Mariupol, after a series of sabotage incidents, Russian troops conducted mass arrests and reprisals, only to find that the harsh measures further fueled local resentment and bolstered partisan recruitment.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Resistance

The role of partisans is expected to grow as the conflict continues. Ukraine has invested heavily in training and equipping these resistance fighters, ensuring that even as conventional battles rage at the front, the fight persists deep within occupied territories. The use of targeted assassinations will likely intensify, focusing on disrupting new layers of Russian administration as Moscow attempts to solidify its hold over the occupied regions.

With enhanced intelligence capabilities, Ukraine’s resistance movement is becoming increasingly sophisticated. The integration of partisans with Special Operations Forces allows for coordinated strikes that can destabilize entire sectors, setting the stage for future counter offensives. As long as the occupation persists, Ukraine’s assassins and partisans will remain an ever-present threat, relentlessly working to undermine Russia’s grip and reclaim Ukrainian sovereignty.

The combination of targeted killings and partisan warfare is not just a tactic but a strategic necessity for Ukraine. It’s a clear signal that despite the occupation, the fight is far from over—and for every official Russia installs, there’s a partisan or assassin ready to challenge their claim. When the war ends, expect Mossad-like, tracking and elimination of Russians who participated at any level of the more than 125,000++ war crimes committed in Russia’s war of empire. Just like the Mossad tracked NAZIs for decades, so will Ukraine’s special services and other individuals track Russians and give them the justice they deserve.

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"The only value of nearly five decades of my work is a warning to the murderers of tomorrow, that they will never rest."

(Simon Wiesenthal in The Jerusalem Post International Edition, February 5, 1994)

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Benjamin Cook, Researching Ukraine

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