Nearly four years after launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia finds itself profoundly altered, though the extent of that change is unevenly felt across the country. While major cities maintain a semblance of normalcy, and economic disruptions are largely absorbed, the conflict has exacted a heavy human cost and triggered subtle but significant shifts in Russian society.
On , the war – officially termed a “special military operation” by the Kremlin – surpassed the length of Russia’s involvement in World War II. The human toll is staggering. Verified Russian combat deaths have exceeded 186,000, a figure nearly thirteen times the losses sustained during the decade-long Soviet-Afghan War. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, and those remaining face a brutal winter as Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Life Goes On, But With a Cost
The impact of the war is geographically concentrated. Regions bordering Ukraine, such as Kursk and Belgorod, have experienced artillery barrages, drone strikes, and even incursions by Ukrainian forces. Ben Higginbottom, a British expatriate living in Kursk, noted a surprising degree of normalization among locals despite the ongoing attacks. “Nobody ran to shelters with each strike,” he said. “Otherwise, you’d never be able to live your life.” Local news reports indicate at least 458 civilian deaths in the Belgorod region since the start of the conflict.
However, major metropolitan areas like Moscow and St. Petersburg have largely been shielded from the direct effects of the war. While inflation is a growing concern, many Muscovites report that life continues with only moderate disruption. “It’s so expensive…but in Moscow, people’s purchasing power hasn’t obviously fallen much,” said a resident named Andrey. Supermarkets remain well-stocked, though some Western brands have become scarce or more expensive.
The availability of goods has shifted. Some South Korean brands, like LG, have returned to the Russian market, while Chinese alternatives are readily available, though perceived as lower in quality. To circumvent restrictions on international payments, some Russians are opening bank accounts in countries like Kyrgyzstan, adding a layer of inconvenience to everyday transactions.
Restrictions and Self-Censorship
Alongside economic adjustments, the Kremlin has tightened its grip on information. Strict laws criminalizing “fake news” about the invasion have stifled dissent, and access to social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook has been blocked. State-backed alternatives, such as RuTube and the messaging app Max, are being promoted, but have not fully replaced the banned platforms. “For ordinary citizens, this blockage just worsens life,” said a St. Petersburg resident named Kirill F, who requested anonymity. “Younger people perceive it as a violation of their personal life.”
Shifting Opinions and the Weight of Propaganda
Public opinion polls suggest widespread support for the war, though the accuracy of these polls is questionable given the risks associated with expressing anti-war sentiments. The narrative surrounding the conflict has evolved, with some initially skeptical Russians now embracing the Kremlin’s justification for the invasion.
Vladislav, from Saratov, initially questioned the war but came to support it after encountering narratives about alleged Nazi elements within the Ukrainian government. “Both my grandparents were WWII veterans; may they rest in peace,” he said, before deleting his messages. He now advocates for a complete victory over Ukraine.
Kirill, while initially critical of the invasion, has grown disillusioned with both Western and liberal Russian opposition groups. He believes that, having initiated the conflict, Russia must now pursue it to a decisive conclusion. “If you started a fight, you can’t just say ‘I’m sorry’ and stop,” he said.
The Human Cost and the Search for Escape
For some, the war has become unbearable. Alexander Medvedev, a former soldier who served in Syria and was later mobilized to Ukraine, described a growing disillusionment after witnessing the devastation firsthand. He went AWOL in July 2023 and sought assistance from the organization Get Lost, which helps Russian draft dodgers and deserters escape the country. “I miss my homeland very much,” he said. “I hope to return but to a different country where people will begin to value and cherish peace.”
In the initial months of the war, an estimated two million Russians fled the country, seeking refuge from conscription or expressing opposition to the Kremlin. However, many have since returned, citing difficulties integrating into foreign societies and rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Mike, a Russian activist now living in Berlin, expressed disappointment with the West’s response to the conflict and questioned the prospects for a peaceful resolution. “The genocide in Gaza…shattered whatever illusions one could have about the Western powers helping Ukraine,” he said. He suggested that a compromise, even one involving territorial concessions, may be the most realistic outcome.
Four years into the conflict, Russia stands at a crossroads. While life continues for many, the war has left an indelible mark on the country, reshaping its economy, its society, and its place in the world. The long-term consequences of this protracted conflict remain to be seen.
