Thousands of Russians have been fighting against the invasion to Ukraine. During first month of protests against the war, 15 000 people were detained. Small street actions are still sporadically taking place, although they are heavily persecuted. More than 300 people have been imprisoned for anti-war activities, including six anarchists and antifascists. What are the current anti-war initiatives in Russia to follow? How to support Russian anti-war movement, which is operating in more and more repressive circumstances? Why Russian anti-war movement has this far failed to change the course of war? Who are the current anarchist and anti-fascists prisoners in Russia, and how to support them?
A presentation for the Bristol Anarchist Bookfair, 1 November 2025, by Antti Rautiainen. The presentation was also delivered at the London Anarchist Bookfair on 20 September and at the Cowley Club in Bristol on 21 September 2025.
The presentation largely follows the one given in Agrinio and three other Greek cities in June 2025, but is more concise, as no translation was required. Compared to the June presentation, the case of Kirill Bobrov has been added.
Kirill Bobrov was suspected of involvement in the insurrectionary anarchist organisation Revolutionary Association of Free People in 2011–2012. The group claimed responsibility for arson attacks against government buildings and the ruling party in Ufa. Kirill managed to escape and was granted asylum in Austria, but later returned to Russia while suffering from serious mental health problems. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2024; however, the anarchist movement only became aware of his case in 2025.
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