As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on, another battle is unfolding—led not on the frontlines, but in exile, in underground networks, and across global advocacy spaces. Three Indigenous women activists from Russia—Zarema Gasanova, Victoria Maladaeva, and Viliuia Choinova—have emerged as bold voices of resistance. From Dagestan, Buryatia, and the Republic of Sakha, they are challenging not only militarism but also the deeply embedded systems of patriarchy, colonialism, and state violence that have long defined Indigenous lives in Russia.
In conversation with Amnesty International, the three exiled activists detailed how the war has impacted their communities, shifted the landscape of women’s leadership, and escalated risks for Indigenous rights movements.
The War’s Disproportionate Impact on Indigenous Communities
Victoria Maladaeva, a Buryat-Mongolian activist and co-founder of the Indigenous of Russia Foundation, explained how Indigenous populations have been disproportionately targeted in military conscription. “In Buryatia, entire villages have lost all their men to the draft,” she said. As soldiers return from Ukraine, reports of domestic violence and femicide are rising.
Viliuia Choinova, a Sakha environmental engineer, noted the devastating impact on traditional livelihoods. “Reindeer herding, fishing, farming—these require communal male labor. Now women must shoulder it all, in the Arctic cold, often with little infrastructure.” The war threatens the survival of Indigenous knowledge systems as generational skills and oral traditions are lost with the absence of men.
Zarema Gasanova, a feminist activist from Dagestan, highlighted that while men are sent to the frontlines, women are left to organize resistance. In 2022, mass protests led by women erupted in Dagestan following Russia’s military mobilization. “We blocked roads, confronted officials, and tried to liberate those arrested. The police beat and dragged us, especially women,” she said.
Criminalization of Indigenous Activism
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 172 Indigenous and decolonial organizations have been labeled as “terrorist” entities by Russian authorities.
“Speaking out against the war is now a crime,” said Viliuia. “Our movements are forced into exile or underground.” She continues her activism from Berlin, focusing on environmental justice and international solidarity.
Zarema, now in exile, uses her platform to raise awareness internationally. “The state sees Indigenous resistance as a threat. Activists from the North Caucasus, like myself, are vilified and painted as dangerous.”
Victoria, currently in the United States, said her visibility has made her a target. “I get hacking attempts on my social media every day. But this work connects me to courageous people across regions. We are building networks of solidarity, despite the risks.”
Why Women Lead the Movement
In a political system dominated by men, Indigenous women in Russia are leading their communities in resistance and survival.
“Historically, in Sakha society, women are matriarchs—decision-makers, business owners, educators,” said Viliuia. “That naturally translates to activism.”
Zarema added that Indigenous women have long resisted both gender-based oppression and colonial policies. “With no political space in Russia for Indigenous peoples, grassroots feminist movements are the only viable outlet.”
Victoria pointed out that most people reaching out for help to prevent military conscription are women. “They hide their sons, write petitions, beg NGOs. They are the real fighters behind the scenes.”
What the International Community Can Do
The activists called on global institutions, donors, and media to do more than just express concern.
“Amplify our voices,” said Zarema. “International media must challenge Russian propaganda that falsely portrays Indigenous peoples as loyal subjects. We need support to access forums like the UN, and to forge bonds with other decolonial movements around the world.”
Victoria stressed the urgent need for funding. “Most of our organizations run on volunteer energy. Without resources, we cannot scale our impact.”
Viliuia added that visa policies, institutional gatekeeping, and exclusion from major human rights platforms block Indigenous participation in global decisions. “Access is everything. Without it, our voices go unheard.”
A Decolonial Future
The war in Ukraine has laid bare the colonial nature of the Russian state, say these activists. But in resisting war, forced assimilation, and authoritarian control, Indigenous women from Russia are not victims—they are defenders of land, language, culture, and autonomy.
Their collective struggle is not only for their peoples, but for a future rooted in justice, memory, and self-determination.
Supporting their work is not charity—it is an imperative in the global fight against militarism, patriarchy, and the ongoing erasure of Indigenous identities.
The time to listen—and act—is now.
