Ukrainian teens in occupied territories form clandestine book clubs

Ukrainian teenagers in Russian-occupied territories have gone underground to read books in their native language in an effort to preserve their cultural and national identity, The Guardian reports, citing sources.  

“It must be one of the most dangerous book clubs in the world,” write journalists Peter Pomerantsev and Alina Dykhman.

The article tells the story of 17-year-old Mariika (name changed to protect her identity) and her friends, who continue to fight to preserve their Ukrainian heritage despite living under Russian occupation.  

“Before they can feel safe enough to talk about poetry and prose, Mariika and her friends have to first ensure all the windows are shut and check there is no one lurking by the flat’s [apartment] doors,” the London-based newspaper wrote over the weekend.  

Informants frequently report to Russian security services about anyone studying Ukrainian in occupied areas.  

“Ukrainian textbooks have been deemed ‘extremist’ – possession can carry a sentence of five years,” the text reads.  

Networks of up to three people attend each book club meeting to avoid drawing attention. They mostly read digital books since finding printed Ukrainian literature under occupation is nearly impossible. Among their reading materials is the poetry of Lesia Ukrainka, who is considered one of Ukraine’s greatest literary figures.  

After each gathering, the teenagers delete their browser history, knowing that occupying forces routinely check phones and computers.  

Russian authorities have seized and destroyed Ukrainian books from several libraries in Mariika’s hometown.

“Parents who allow their children to follow the Ukrainian curriculum online can lose parental rights,” the article reads.  

Mariika says Russian authorities are trying to instill hatred toward other Ukrainians. 

“They’ve taken down all Ukrainian symbols and have hung portraits of Putin everywhere. History is all about ‘great Russia’ and how it’s always been under attack by others,” she said.  

For Mariika and her friends, their secret book club is more than just a place to read – it’s a quiet act of resistance, showing that even under occupation, Ukrainians refuse to abandon their identity.  

Read the full article at this link.