Anastasia Bagalika
Ihor Kotelyanets
The «Chameleon» — a course about avoiding captivity and the psychology of survival in captivity
On Hromadske Radio, we discuss the «Chameleon» course with Vitaliy Apalkov, the course author, a colonel, and PhD, alongside Tetiana Blinova, a content producer and methodologist from the Prometheus team, who played a direct role in the creation and development of the course.
The «Chameleon» is a free online course focused on evading captivity and understanding the psychology of surviving in captivity. It was developed by the Prometheus educational platform in collaboration with the Civil Awareness Center of the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation.
The relevance of the course
Tetiana Blinova: The subject matter of this course resonates deeply with every family. Online education possesses a unique attribute of exceptional flexibility. This gives us the ability to adapt swiftly and responsively to present-day needs. Ideally, we hope that the demand for this course diminishes in the coming months, allowing us to shift focus to courses centered around economic recovery and other positive themes.
Speaking to the relevance of this topic, I can share feedback from individuals who completed the course within the first week. Many express the sentiment that they wish such knowledge were unnecessary, but given the current circumstances, it’s imperative to be informed. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to everyone, as being informed is always preferable to being caught unprepared.
Literally, every Ukrainian could benefit from this course as long as we face the risk of either being captured ourselves or having loved ones taken captive. The relevance of the topic is further enhanced by our author, who brings unique insights gleaned from personal interactions with former captives.
We’ve designed the course content to appeal to a broad audience, not solely those residing in frontline areas. For instance, the final module addresses the reintegration of a former captive into society, providing guidance on how families can assist them in transitioning back to a peaceful and fulfilling life. This is applicable to all residents of Ukraine.
Our only current restriction is that we’re targeting an adult audience and are limiting entry to teenagers under 14.
It’s worth noting that the materials could potentially be accessed by captors, potentially altering their behavior towards prisoners based on the recommendations provided. Therefore, the author of the course has placed considerable emphasis not only on specific advice but also on cultivating adaptive mimetic behavioral strategies.
By mastering the basics of mimicry and adaptability to the environment and situations, individuals can respond effectively to the varied behaviors of those around them, whether captors or interrogators. Thus, this course not only offers practical recommendations but also addresses broader strategic considerations.
Mr. Vitaliy, the author, continues his research endeavors and, as part of his professional duties, engages with individuals who have been released from captivity, gathering and structuring their experiences. Should new recommendations emerge, we stand ready to supplement the course accordingly.
Read also: «We must insist on the unconditional release of everyone» — regarding the Strategy for the Release of Civilians
What is mimetic behavior and why is it needed?
Vitaliy Apalkov: The course material draws upon the experiences of civilians, examining their behavior while navigating checkpoints, enduring captivity, and following their release.
The course is supplemented with guidelines for evading capture. Civilians in occupied territories operate under the threat of danger, and certain behaviors identified before and after the full-scale invasion of 2014 have been deemed inappropriate. We promptly address these with course participants.
Mimetic behavior is adaptive conduct in perilous situations. It entails blending in seamlessly with one’s surroundings to avoid standing out in a crowd.
We’ve pinpointed adaptive behaviors, akin to mimicry, enabling civilians to simulate certain qualities they may lack during times of danger. Conversely, it allows them to conceal qualities they possess but cannot reveal at the time. This adaptive human behavior is essential for survival.
Human mimetic behavior, both to evade capture and while in captivity, is shaped by the demands of the environment. For instance, if occupiers utilize a specific messaging platform like Telegram, its usage doesn’t raise suspicions and becomes part of a civilian’s mimetic behavior in occupied territories. Conversely, if a particular messenger raises doubts, its use should be discontinued.
Once in captivity, individuals adopt any survival strategy, even if it’s short-term. For instance, adapting to new aggressive guards. Adjusting behavior to avoid drawing undue attention and subsequent aggression is crucial, considering the unfortunate prevalence of beatings. Mimetic behavior serves as a response to the environment’s demands.
Read also: How the state intends to release civilian hostages
What to do if you are illegally imprisoned?
Vitaliy Apalkov: Firstly, even while still free, one should remain vigilant for warning signs. It’s crucial to inform relatives and friends of one’s whereabouts and intentions for the upcoming days or week: «I plan to be at these locations». Memorizing the phone numbers of these contacts is essential, enabling communication even if electronic devices are unavailable. This preparation for evasion, including appearance, gadget preparation, and notifying loved ones, is elaborated upon in detail within the course.
If a person finds themselves already captured, they must acknowledge that their will holds little sway in the situation. Practicing mimetic obedience becomes paramount. This doesn’t imply agreement with imprisonment but rather entails avoiding aggression and conveying predictability through words and body language. Such behavior can offer protection during the initial hours or days of illegal detention.
Should an opportunity arise for the detainee to appear in any media footage, it serves as a means for the Ukrainian state to confirm their presence, ensuring they are seen as alive and enabling tracking. There have been instances of mimetic behavior where individuals positioned themselves strategically near others being interviewed, not for personal recognition but for the potential benefits it could afford them.
Escaping captivity carries significant risks, as occupiers often impose collective punishment, threatening repercussions for fellow prisoners if one attempts escape. Therefore, survival in captivity should be prioritized, focusing on preserving one’s life with dignity. Dignity in this context involves utilizing all necessary means for survival without endangering fellow captives. All potential consequences should be carefully considered.
Read also: Why do banks compel relatives of hostages to bear the burden of their loans, and what measures should be taken to address this issue?
In times of war, the program «Free our relatives» tells the stories of people, cities, villages, and entire regions that have been captured by Russian invaders. We discuss the war crimes committed by the Kremlin and its troops against the Ukrainian people.
The program is hosted by Ihor Kotelyanets and Anastasia Bagalika.
This publication is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the framework of the Human Rights in Action Program implemented by Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union. Opinions, conclusions and recommendations presented in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the United States Government. The contents are the responsibility of the authors.
USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID’s work demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience, and advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity. USAID has partnered with Ukraine since 1992, providing more than $9 billion in assistance. USAID’s current strategic priorities include strengthening democracy and good governance, promoting economic development and energy security, improving health care systems, and mitigating the effects of the conflict in the east.
For additional information about USAID in Ukraine, please call USAID’s Development Outreach and Communications Office at: +38 (044) 521-5753. You may also visit our website: http://www.usaid.gov/ukraine or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/USAIDUkraine.
