On 26 February, the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of Crimea, an exhibition prepared as part of an information campaign was opened during the forum “CRIMEA: The Home We Are Fighting For.”

The exhibition is structured around three dimensions of resistance: the military, political prisoners, and people who remain in occupied Crimea. Rather than general statements, it focuses on specific faces and personal stories.

The first dimension is the military. The exhibition, in particular, tells the story of Alim Kerimov, call sign “BASMach,” a serviceman of the 34th Coastal Defence Brigade of the Marine Corps. Among the stories presented is also that of a soldier with the call sign “Crimea,” who serves in the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade, named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign. His experience represents the continuation of the struggle for the peninsula within the ranks of the Armed Forces.

The second dimension is political prisoners and their families. The exhibition highlights the story of the Crimean Tatar activist Tofik Abdulhaziiev, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He has been behind bars for seven years, suffers from a malignant brain tumor, and has almost completely lost his sight.

A separate section presents the story of Iryna Danylovych, a human rights defender and journalist who, in 2022, was detained on her way home following a search and later sentenced to seven years in prison. She subsequently reported pressure and the use of force by the occupying authorities.

The exhibition also tells the story of Esma Nimetullaeva, the wife of political prisoner Remzi Nimetullaiev and a mother of five children. She faces a possible sentence of 15 to 20 years’ imprisonment. Her story demonstrates that persecution in Crimea affects not only activists but also their families.

The third dimension is the everyday resistance of those who remain on the peninsula — people who distribute pro-Ukrainian leaflets, openly express their views, or simply do not conceal them despite the risk of searches and persecution. For them, Ukraine represents the right to education, choice, and a life without fear.

Through these stories, the exhibition shows that resistance in Crimea takes many forms. It continues on the battlefield, behind bars, and in everyday life under occupation.