We must do everything to ensure Russia ceases to exist as an empire - SOF Resistance Movement head

This statement was made by the head of the modern Resistance Movement of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) during a public meeting held as part of the All-Ukrainian music festival “Chervona Ruta – 2025” in Lviv. The name and rank of the Resistance Movement leader were not disclosed.

“We, the Special Operations Forces, are proud to be part of an event like Chervona Ruta. We share a common spirit. The resistance movement begins with a call from the soul. Actions follow, shaped by one’s skills, capabilities, and training. That’s why it’s important for us to be involved in initiatives that allow us to reach the hearts of Ukrainians through cultural collaboration.

In temporarily occupied territories, civilians cooperating with the Resistance Movement are already carrying out tasks. In controlled areas, we are actively working to help every person decide today what they would do if they found themselves under occupation: would they stay or flee? And if they stay, will they resist—and how? The Resistance Movement offers a wide range of forms and methods through which every Ukrainian can contribute to strengthening our state.

It is vital for us to defend it (the state – ed.). The modern Resistance Movement is a continuation of the underground and partisan struggle our ancestors once led. Here in the Lviv region, many memories of the Resistance Movement’s activities during World War II have been preserved. I grew up with stories of heroic defiance—and of course, back then, I could never have imagined that one day I would lead the Resistance Movement in Ukraine.

Today, we thank the organizers for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful event as Chervona Ruta. We believe that through joint efforts, we can reach the minds and hearts of our citizens.

Thank you for your service, your work, and your fight. I am confident that together we will overcome this invasion and defend our independence. And the children singing today on the Chervona Ruta stage will one day live and sing on peaceful Ukrainian soil,” the Resistance Movement head stated.

He expressed formal gratitude to the festival director, Myroslav Melnyk. Responding to a question from the audience, the head of the Resistance Movement stated: “We have no right to grow weary—neither those in the rear nor those directly on the front lines. If at any moment we allow fatigue to stop our struggle, we will lose ourselves and the ability to remain Ukrainians in our own homeland. Although I’m not currently fighting in the trenches, I understand how difficult it is. But we do not have the right to be tired.”

According to the Resistance Movement head, the continued existence of Russia in its current form poses an existential threat not only to Ukraine, but to other countries across the continent.

“As long as the Russian Federation exists in its current form, we will not know peace. We must do everything to ensure that Russia ceases to exist as an empire. It may become a republic or some form of ‘Moscovia,’ but this entity must change. Not only Ukrainians, but Europeans must clearly understand that only the dismantling of Russia as an empire can offer a chance for peaceful existence and development of our nations,” he stressed.

The speaker thanked all members of the Resistance Movement and called on citizens to join the effort and take part in defeating the enemy and everything hostile to Ukraine. Participation is open via an online application form.

As reported by Ukrinform, the Chervona Ruta festival in Lviv featured a lecture by artist, musician, and founder of the “Pyrih i Batih” project, Marian Pyrih.

Photos were provided by the event organizers