Vox Pop: Muscovites On How Russia's Isolation Affects Daily Life

As Western sanctions tighten against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, RFE/RL asked Muscovites how Russia's isolation affects their daily lives.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/russia-moscow...
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#russia #ukraine

[@staypuft899]

When things get tough later on and people start complaining, remember that while Ukrainian cities and Ukrainian lives are being destroyed right now very few care as long as they aren't affected by sanctions.

[@viktorviktorski183]

They support the war 80% of them

[@naps3386]

Why don't you remember right now why Putin had to go into Ukraine to begin with...illegal coup of 2014 fomented and funded by the USA. Puppet actor installed as president, then he imprisons his political challengers. Ukraine military constantly baraging Donbass with missiles since 2014. Children in Donbass have grown up in basements in fear. Or don't you even know the reasons behind Putin going into Ukraine? I rebuke you and your rhetoric, you are a fool.

[@captainbuggernut9565]

Oh I think alot of them are putting on an act. Russia will lose in Ukraine. It takes a little while because Europe got itself hooked on Russian gas. When they stop buying it the foreign income will dry up. Then the serious economic pain will begin. Other players will start to take Russia's market share.

[@ChristopherEggleton1975]

Many are being affected but refuse to acknowledge it. There are multiple KZbin channels talking about the changes even to domestically produced goods. Apparently the prices the remain the same but the amount you get for the money is less. Also don't forget the Ruble is being artificially kept afloat atm as it is no longer being traded. If they traded the Ruble again It could possibly freefall. But some will actually be unaffected but it's only a matter of time before the pinch is felt.

[@staypuft899]

Yep for sure... Russia is doing a good job hiding it but it won't last forever.

[@user-zz4uj1mr5f]

Unfortunately, as a resident of Russia, I will say that Russians have intellectually degraded over the past 30 years and they think in terms of the 19th century. We have a lot of resources, but we cannot do anything with these resources. What's the point of having oil if the country can't make a modern car engine? What's the point of wood if you don't have a machine to make paper out of it? The population does not think about this at all and it will pay dearly for it. Practice has shown that the people are also to blame for this war, unlike the Belarusians.

[@SunRaIV]

this is called the "dutch illness": natural ressources destroying industrial capabilities because the currency rate goes too high to be competetive.

[@SteveandLizDonaldson]

I have to agree with you. I am not Russian, but consulted in Moscow on the new MC-21 Russian airliner (which will never see service, thanks to Putin's little adventure). Even during the meetings the Russians would hold it all up in long debates, leaving us "foreigners" shaking our heads. We said amongst ourselves that this is a culture that can't seem to get their sh*t together. Russian mathematics and basic sciences are outstanding. Their engineering production was pretty third world. Almost all of the tech products I saw (even if made in Russia) were from outside sources (French, German, S Korean, US, Japan, etc).

[@user-zz4uj1mr5f]

@@SteveandLizDonaldson Exactly. And this situation will lead to a drop in the standard of living to the level of India. So I see that while the Russians are not preparing to change the government, but I won’t do it alone, so I’m flying out of the country.

[@blkted2945]

@@SteveandLizDonaldson Steve, great points, those have been highlighted in other chats. add the new tech and Russia not being collaborative, that is just a disaster waiting to happen. It remains me when I flew into Djibouti from Dubai, they still had monochrome monitor and no AC. I was like "what the hell, is this a third world country" I guess it was. It made me realize that we really take for granted the little things that we use to make our lives easier. Russia will soon find that out, not being welcome to the global economy (I want to emphasize the Western part) it will be difficult, our freedom and innovation goes without saying, you can't get that when you are trying to feed your family, can't speak openly and is embroiled with war. So while I don't necessary feel sorry for Russians, I was really wishes they choose democracy and contribute to the global economy for the good, not stick to the past and try to reclaim the USSR back.

[@neillaw6249]

You all need to rise against Putin Hitler and get rid of him

[@jamesdawson2510]

Nice to know that Russia’s total destruction of so many Ukrainian lives has just made it slightly harder for them to buy clothes.

[@disturbingdevelopment4308]

And her clothes sense was awful anyway!

[@chokac1]

And imagine life without McDonalds in Russia….poor people

[@NeXes42]

Don't forget that Russia isn't a free country. These people can't speak their mind on the internet without having to fear punishment by the state. I feel like these "interviews" are kinda pointless when the people you talk to life in fear and I'm pretty sure they are aware of the severity of the situation. Shure some of them are buying the state propaganda but surely not all of them.

[@aiyadwolf]

Ironic isn’t it.

[@thomaslunde5014]

And what makes you believe that it is only making clothes slightly harder to get? Because some Russians say so?

[@SnoopyDoofie]

Once the EU is independent of Russian gas, Russians will be in for a real shit show to come.

[@viktorviktorski183]

Russia will just become client state of China like North Korea and later China can use their economic advantage to ask russia to give up part of far eastern russia like Vladivostok

[@md.fakharuddin4848]

SnoopyDoo, they will be, for sure. EU is relentlessly working on outsourcing gas from Africa. But the real question is why EU didn’t keep an alternative knowing that they might be made hostages by Russia on gas supply ! I just can't wonder enough on the EU leaders' stupidity! They are also responsible for every Ukrainian life lost by Russian invasion!

[@francoiscamy5066]

Unfortunately, it takes time. But we are going in the right direction.

[@KaiserS0ZE]

@@francoiscamy5066 I was hopeful that Israel was going to allow a pipeline from Qatar through their territory and then under the sea through the Med to Greece... but it looks like turkey is mad because the line bypasses them and they'd miss out on the $$$ so they're blocking it.

[@stevemcgowen]

@@KaiserS0ZE Israel is close to Russia. They won't make moves against Russia. Israel launders and hides money for Russian oligarchs...

[@abodabalo]

Excellent to know that ordinary people don't suffer from sanctions. So, they can be further increased.

[@freshoftheoven965]

Are you dumb?

[@sigmaputin6888]

We westerners are suffering from the backfire of sanctions you fool

[@againstviralmisinformation510]

Not like that would have stopped you from supporting sanctions anyway. They can starve for all you care

[@abodabalo]

@@againstviralmisinformation510 No-one in Russia will starve. Russia is resourceful. In fact Russians should think of their war instead of those irrelevant sanctions.

[@againstviralmisinformation510]

@@abodabalo oh I know they won’t. These sanctions hardly have the effect the west want it and Russia will get by them. Where Europe trade is lost Asia and South America will replace. It’s no big deal. The same can’t be said about Cuba and Venezuela and Syria. That’s why I said you can care less even if they were

[@disturbingdevelopment4308]

Actually, I don't care at all what the Russians think of the sanctions, or anything else for that matter. Russians live in a parallel universe, so their commodities, travel, entertainment, access to academia and technology should also come from that parallel universe. Sanctions should be turned into permanent bans.

[@viktorviktorski183]

I agree 30 years of western products was enough for them they didn't take that for granted and now want more territory I think we should not invest in russia ever again beacuse they will get money to wage wars

[@artiefakt4402]

Putin isn't going anywhere and he'd probably put someone like him in charge if he had to leave. So, as long as Russians are ok with all this... and as long as they believe the west is responsible for the way their country is managed... I think it's safe to consider those bans "permanent".

[@thomaslunde5014]

@@artiefakt4402 If Putin goes but Medvedev stays then yes nothing will change for the better, it will probably just get worse.

[@KaiserS0ZE]

All you are accomplishing is helping to set up a parallel economy so that the US petro dollar is weakened and the Chinese Yuan and Russian Ruble are strengthened.

[@harmless6813]

@@KaiserS0ZE Keep dreaming.

[@timobrien2586]

I'm glad Russians will be happy with their choice. I will be happy to apply more sanctions.

[@happines3511]

What sanctions? Will you write comments on KZbin?

[@tiadiad]

Tim. The only thing you will apply will be lotion on your mother’s soft spot, after your daddy does a move on her.

[@ivanivanov-fs9wk]

EU is considering about 7th package of sanctions, and it seems that amount of ideas goes to the end. EU has applied almost all it could . Also, that makes things worse in EU. No, I don't say "please, cancel those sanctions". I only say what I see. It's up to you whether to proceed with such destructive behavior. But winter is cold anyway

[@oasis1282]

Get out of here timmy

[@musicilya6674]

If you do that, Russia will have less to lose, so the nuclear war will be more likely. Also, USA and EU will also suffer from sanctions against Russia.

[@imisstoronto3121]

If what they're saying is true, the sanctions need to be ramped up. A LOT. The people are not complaining enough. Make them squirm.

[@KathyBGood]

good point!

[@MelkorPT]

The effect of sanctions isn't immediately noticeable because Russia had currency/gold reserves, you got to give it time to bleed. It seems that nothing is happening until all of a sudden _everything_ is happening at once. The longer things are swept under the rug the more catastrophic the impact will be.

[@jacqdanieles]

I used to feel sorry for them. Not anymore. Apathetic & selfish f**ks

[@ChrisVillagomez]

Russia are having trouble building brand new aircraft already so that's something, and there's going to be a cap on how much Russian oil can be sold for internationally, basically the majority of the world will not accept Russian oil unless it's under a certain amount of dollars per barrel

[@steverogers6825]

@@MelkorPT Exactly.

[@Harrzack]

Maybe those who aren’t “feeling much” should be given a free ticket to ride thru Eukraine and get a taste of the mass graves of innocent civilians…who also, coincidentally “don’t feel much” anymore. ⚰️🥶👹

[@justinemot2282]

Oh my... quite a graphic description... Too bad I do not believe it is possible - those russians who try to live as if "nothing is happening" will remain the same as it's their active choice. But as long as others can feel the pain of other humans like you do, we still have hope.

[@ivanivanov-fs9wk]

In the previous wars situation was very different: I recall how Americans and Europeans cared about people in Serbia, Iraq, etc. Those are true people of humanity

[@user-mb6hg6zk4i]

If you are not completely stupid, then you will understand that the problem is not in the Russians and Putin, but in your president whom you have chosen so that he would defend the interests of his people.

[@ilikeoldladies7829]

why would there be innocent people dead, when they were told to leave and flee the country when they were invaded

[@justinemot2282]

wow.... so many trolls here! Like 2 ppl talked, then suddenly 3 trolls appear! am amazed! It's more trolls per conversation than real people & they play as if it's them being attacked... But well, in my mind even whole nations can be narcissistic & gaslight themselves and others

[@nobodyspecial891]

You can tell some of them are so brainwashed and "patriotic" even if they lost everything they wouldn't admit it.

[@ChrisVillagomez]

Especially that one guy that said, "We haven't had any shortages and even if we did, it's all been replaced by local things" Basically admitted that they've had to replace Western products already which is very very good

[@nobodyspecial891]

@@ChrisVillagomez exactly I noticed that too. They are very stubborn and very controlled by the state and it almost seems like they like it like that. The entire population of russia has Stockholm Syndrome.

[@trundlepufpendants]

The blonde at the end lmao- probably wanted for nothing her whole life no wonder "everythings OK"

[@sunsetfoxx]

Yep just like the trump mob… people are sheep and they wanna be followers.

[@sunsetfoxx]

@@nobodyspecial891 biden is a walking corpse and a joke.

[@ZhovtoBlakytniy]

You need to to up the voltage until old soviet vatniks feel like it sucks, because they're most comfortable living in squalor- they were raised in it.

[@judyweeks1480]

They are also the most arrogant.

[@the_grand_tourer]

Thank you for introducing me to the term Vatnik ... just Googled it, they sound a bit like Trump supporters.

[@KaiserS0ZE]

@@the_grand_tourer Your TDS is showing

[@Baraz_Red]

Honestly, the history of sanctions show that they do not provoke political change or rebellion, BUT the sanctions do limit the Russian army resources, technology, etc. So sanctions that work against the military and the rich, but do not impact much ordinary people, are fine.

[@happines3511]

@@Baraz_Red Iran has been under sanctions for 40 years, and they have the best drones, questions?

[@davidmurphy563]

If ever you doubt whether they deserve it, listen to them speak.

[@jacqdanieles]

Exactly

[@benjiviews4300]

There is no doubt that SOME do not deserve it, but unfortunately sanctions are a blunt instrument and Russia, as a country DOES deserve them and so it must be, I only wish the sanctions were a LOT more brutal, the quicker the situation for Russians and Russia becomes unbearable the quicker their sick invasion of Ukraine will end

[@alonsocushing2263]

Yes. For a nation with a communist base, they sound very materialistic.

[@amit4Bihar]

West people also support their leaders and capitalist's support for wars coupes, terrorists, etc

[@Minchya]

Listening to the comments reminds me of an old adage, ignorance is bliss !!!

[@Ianmundo]

They’re selfish and indifferent at best, downright supportive at worst to the rape, murder and destruction being waged in their names on their Ukrainian neighbours. I truly hope one way or another that these people feel the consequences of this war.

[@anderspedersen7488]

Well said, unfortunately.

[@Northman-from-the-North]

Me too. We should punish even more

[@oasis1282]

@@Northman-from-the-North no

[@martinflynn5180]

They are totally brainwashed by their state media propogander & in denial .. they still think its a special operation to help Ukraine from its Nazis within ... i think sanctions need to increase ... they dont realise 50,000+ Russian troops are dead and its rising .. plus thousands injured ....

[@unicajamalaga2]

Не война а спецоперация!☝️

[@esrefcelikcelik8789]

So selfish and heartless lost souls!! They are talking as if there are two different worlds.

[@thebrowns5337]

You have to remember they are getting filtered/scripted 'news' there just like we get in the west.

[@unicajamalaga2]

Комментарий удален?

[@esrefcelikcelik8789]

@@goshamaslov3274 didn't they vote for putin? We know no one else, but putin for 20 or more years . Also Kadirov

[@rulerofroombas1443]

@@goshamaslov3274 you never fought against him

[@Xight46]

@@rulerofroombas1443 how do you know? What do you know about this specific person? Nothing, so stop talking out of your ass.

[@chrissavage5966]

Don't forget, these are Muscovites. Moscow and St Putinsburg are the last places that will feel the pain because Putin will make sure of that. He cares not what happens in Russia outside of a few chosen 'special' locations. When I visited Russia in the 70's it was a "special honor" to live in Moscow. One that surprisingly few people actually wanted.....if you coveted your neighbors flat, you just denounced them to the KGB and it was yours. I doubt much has changed except the letters of the organisation.

[@happines3511]

good joke )

[@2hotflavored666]

@@happines3511 It's the truth tho. Something as a Russian you should know. If you weren't brainwashed by Putin and his government that is. :)

[@Christian-ib1gd]

St Putinsburg is quite a nice and fitting name, i think they should change it accordingly:)

[@chrissavage5966]

@@Christian-ib1gd Putin already considers himself comparable to Peter the Great. Well, he probably thinks he’s superior, but you get my point.

[@aloragreenteam2343]

Exactly 😎

[@ralphdavis9670]

As long as they can get a bowl of borsht and 1/2 a potato, they're fine.

[@chebysh8047]

As long as you can post some bigotry you are fine

[@ralphdavis9670]

@@chebysh8047 Who invaded who, Stan. Who is pulverizing civilian areas, hospitals, schools. Russia is a discredited, despised lying whore house.

[@ralphdavis9670]

@@chebysh8047 Bigotry is nothing in comparison to to russian terrorism.

[@chebysh8047]

@@ralphdavis9670 1 more, you are on a winning streak!

[@ralphdavis9670]

@@chebysh8047 Meanwhile, innocent people are shredded for your hero's ego.

[@AppliedCryogenics]

They are scared of being punished for complaining about conditions at home, and they're even more scared to mention what little they know about conditions in Ukraine. Still, I regret that these people couldn't be a little more brave and honest.

[@irinaeirene52]

They are not.. Many of them support Putin and his war.

[@KaiserS0ZE]

They are nopt scared.. it's just that the sanctions haven't affected Russia. The sanctions affect the western population while Russia just keeps on trucking as usual. In fact, the Ruble is the best performing currency this year.

[@phillee2814]

@@KaiserS0ZE For as long as they can artificially prop it up. Then the house of cards collapses.

[@ABrakdabr4]

@@KaiserS0ZE do you are really believe in the russian publicity 😆😂😆😂😆😂👎🤦‍♂️

[@musician1000]

​@@KaiserS0ZE The West isn't selling them anything, that means exports are higher than imports, so the value of the ruble is high, but it's not because Russia is doing well.

[@johncarroll7585]

Just as London is not representative of the whole of England, Moscow is not representative of the Russian Federation. Capital cities will always be better protected and funded than the rest of any country or state.

[@cspace1234nz]

Outstanding point

[@alexandrudiaconescu9404]

So if you support a criminal regime but you live Moscow or St Petersburg makes you less guilty ......

[@L98fiero]

@@alexandrudiaconescu9404 Sure, if you live Moscow or St Petersburg you are less guilty, the criminal regime is in Washington!

[@sinisajakus3602]

tamose još manje osjete

[@thebrowns5337]

@@alexandrudiaconescu9404 nobody said that. It's just governments focus more support on their capital cities.

[@JerjerB]

Russia has the resources to be independent yet it's still poor per capita... If only some people didn't steal the resources and "invest" the money in offshore accounts!

[@naps3386]

Like Zelenskyy has done?

[@jacqdanieles]

@@naps3386 typical brainwashed russian. That response is exactly why your leaders screw you & buy yachts. Nice work defending that behavior.

[@gamerpapa1719]

@@naps3386 nope... like PUTON did... OH, probably you didn't catch the news about his millions in french banks... ooops Western banks? lol

[@NeverQuit87]

@@naps3386 Proof idiot?

[@GeeJay1971]

@@naps3386 Did he steal from Ruzzia ?

[@aiyadwolf]

I’d like to see what they say if it was their homes being demolished and their innocent people were dying.

[@Peteristrate]

But the queston was whether sanctions have affected their lifestyle. If they say NO, it doesn't mean they agree with the war. That's a different question. And many russians don't agree with the war.

[@irinaeirene52]

Wrong! Most of them support the war

[@unicajamalaga2]

@@Peteristrate да ясен красен

[@musicilya6674]

It will be the nuclear winter

[@mattc825]

Meanwhile your "brothers and sisters" in Ukraine have lost everything, even their lives.

[@mattc825]

@Альберт Валиев Your cultures are nothing alike. The world is learning how truly amazing the Ukrainian people are.

[@mattc825]

@Альберт Валиев In the end we are all brothers. You are brainwashed and oppressed by your government and so your thoughts are shaped accordingly. The west understands that and unfortunately we don't know how to help you.

[@mattc825]

@Альберт Валиев TL;DR. 🤣

[@Lastochka720]

why are you so worried about the Ukrainians? why are they better than Serbs or Iraqis? maybe because they hate Russians and taught their children that Russians need to be killed?

[@someperson2789]

@@mattc825 You know absolutely nothing about either Russian or Ukrainian culture do you? You probably don’t even know that borscht is the primary soup in Russia as it is in Ukraine.

[@PKPKPK1]

last blonde lady is clearly either in media or perusing a career in media

[@jtf2dan]

yup...you can see she was auditioning for the brass....

[@stephennewton2777]

Keep in mind that this was filmed in what appears to be a major city (Moscow?), where the standard of living is much higher than in rural areas. The lady pointing out that things will be significantly worse in 4-6 months had obviously read the Russian Central Bank report from March.

[@ramonnajar1974]

Indeed. Filming with e-scooters in the background belies majority Russian life.

[@wuffimint]

@@ramonnajar1974 lol no

[@renebhnyc2910]

Maybe enough resources but not enough brain resources or know how to 😂😂

[@disturbingdevelopment4308]

Too true. After all, if most countries were given the same resources, arable land and a bunch of ultimate deterrent weapons that Russia has, I think they'd thrive. But no, envy takes over and they grab more land and turn it into the same moonscape.

[@jabato9779]

Those who have a brain flee Russia. It is happening since the invasion of Ukraine. Bleak is the future of Russia if they don't wake up to reality.

[@maggies9597]

The ones with brain had left the country.

[@jeanmontinat1681]

I kind of feel bad for Pootins oppressed zombie Orcs , most of them don't know or understand how oppressive things are getting there because they have been oppressed all their lives.

[@richardc488]

They are Russians and they are strong not like our Woke weak American young people, you can not even tell if some one is male, female or binary anymore!

[@stevemcgowen]

The orcs know better. They have internet access. They aren't like Chinese or N. Koreans. The orcs genuinely have primitive ways of thinking. They feel they are superior to Ukrainians and think they own Ukraine...

[@sunsetfoxx]

I agree! Russians have this attitude “find positive” even in sh*t. And it’s all nice and sunny until you see how passive they’re towards change, ideas and information. As long as the war is not on their land it seems like they don’t care much… But this won’t be for long. We are in for a big climax in the next couple of years…

[@marakujer7269]

if you are any conscript or "soldata kontrakta" or however contract soldiers are called, age 18 to 30, they all only know Putin who is president (i ignore the Medwedew-Presidency) since may 2000, that's 22 years. Who' longer in office except Queen Elizabeth and Autocrat Museveni in Uganda? So yes, those "Orcs" only know their Sauron Putin

[@Spherac]

Bred to be serfs for their great mafia leadership.

[@wom_Bat]

Just wait till they buy a car or shop for a computer 🚗 💻 Many tech companies have pulled out and new cars are built to a 1996 standard. No airbags, radios, ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, and more features lost. Some seem pretty realistic on the matter. It's not so bad now, they have reserves of technology and equipment. In 6 or 12 it will be a different story.

[@mikedon5205]

They know it but your not going to say anything on camera that even hints at critism for putins war .. I wouldn't if I was asked why risk it

[@gamerpapa1719]

All what they need is VODKA !

[@staypuft899]

Fact... Vodka sales in Russia... Up 11%

[@megma9283]

@@staypuft899 And there never be a shortage of it. They won't have potatoes for fries at Vkusno i Tochka, but they will always have them for vodka

[@staypuft899]

Scary... Driving the "new" cars will be dangerous enough... Throw in some vodka for disaster.

[@PeterLawton]

When airliners can't get replacement parts, safety will drop until eventually one crashes. And then another, and another. The news channels will be ordered to downplay it, or omit it altogether, but eventually, the public will know and understand. Cars' average age will gradually increase until it's obvious, like Cuba. They'll make do, but they will know without question that they're just making do.

[@harkeb]

Looking forward to listen to them this time in 2023

[@ralphhardie7492]

Thank you. Excellent report.. very interesting Let Ukraine have all the guns rockets planes logistics and training that they need to beat back the cruel bully Russia. The big issue now is to fight back against undemocratic forces, especially Russia.

[@WS-zd4jz]

Over the years, living the life the Russian citizens have at the expense of their leader's quest for glory seems to be some sort of "badge of honor". Similar to the days of Stalin, and we all know how that went. And now the big reward for the families of the motherland, "Russia State TV Promotes Benefits of Losing Son in War: 'A Nice New Car'. What a price to pay.

[@cspace1234nz]

Yep, as Russia heads for its third collapse in 100 years

[@sirrodneyffing1]

They like to suffer, so we should not disappoint them.

[@billpeek8266]

Do they really give them a car if they're son is killed in war?

[@NoSuffix]

@@billpeek8266 Even if yes, so what? Made-in-Russia cars nowadays don't even have airbags due to global sanctions.

[@billpeek8266]

@@NoSuffix I think it's a bad trade, even if it has airbags, I just honestly wanted to know if that was fact, I've never heard of it, is all

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

That guy (and the next lady) summed it pretty well, "we still have some reserves left" or something like that.... He fully understands that at the moment maybe he doesn't see any changes, any problems but he knows that they will start to appear more and more...and more....and more. Many are blinded by the fact that for them, at the moment, things look "business as usual" and can't see or refuse to see where all of this will lead them to.

[@KiatHuang]

I've seen similar videos and most talk about resources as in supplies, but no one talks about working hard, to use those resources to create items of value, of being industrious. They seem happy to survive on the resources they take from the lands they have occupied over the years. I hope the ethnic people from these lands overcome their russian occupiers and imported aparatniks to recover their self-identity and restart their own countries, free from soviet oppression.

[@barneydenstad2148]

@@Hydemic Many countries occupied by USA DID developed nicely. for example; Japan, South Korea, Germany...

[@UltraTotenkopf]

*So you are now proposing to kill all the Yankees and return the lands of North America to the indigenous people?)))*

[@angusabbott5615]

The first guy must be looking forward to signing up and getting a chance to get to the action , his loss would not be much of a loss either

[@bayoumeme7743]

It’s really hard to live when you’ve had a taste of western standard of living.

[@truthcantbehidden2165]

Russia is western

[@darrengreen7906]

@@truthcantbehidden2165 Only the big cities, Moscow, St Pete... We should geo-lock western tech. Anything connects to the net should be sent a kill command. Then see how they are not affected...

[@viktorviktorski183]

@@truthcantbehidden2165 no they are not there cities are Asian russia can go and f in Asia they are not welcomed in Europe

[@francoiscamy5066]

Was

[@ronnyrudeboy7461]

All world is west cos latest centuries westerns has brought all important inventions like electricity, planes, computers and so on... 2000 years it was more eastern time to shine, but let´s cut all tribal biased views and let´s live as one. Enjoying everybody´s best parts n trying to live as human being.

[@UtopiansDream]

It's actually nice if they don't feel any negative aspects of the sanctions. We don't have to feel sorry for them and can continue the sanctions. The only goal is to cut the money that Russia spents on its military.

[@ruapka]

agreed! but most of those present here believe that the main goal is to make life worse for Russians. which is fundamentally wrong. the main goal is to interrupt the financing of the war. in the video, no one said that he supported the current war. there were only answers to the question of whether sanctions are being felt.

[@djrampantuk]

Happy on $180 pension a month jeeez I don't know how you can eat on that nevermind be happy

[@weseehowcommiegoogleis3770]

When it's what you have, It's what you have.

[@ZhovtoBlakytniy]

It's the cabbage and buckwheat diet.

[@viktorviktorski183]

I spent 180$ in 2 weeks lmao I couldn't survive on 180$ a month plus add the inflation

[@stephendarcy7113]

You've lost your dignity Russia!

[@markgoldberg5360]

Where? In Iraq or Afghanistan?

[@MeTubeUser]

Let the russians be on their own.

[@fixento]

Naïve, no nation can be independent in the modern world.

[@martijnstam6186]

Luckily here in Europe we can do perfectly fine without Russia.

[@lukelynch5158]

I think your forgetting that Russia is like 1/3 of the world 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Jafmanz]

7 already are. Russia is one of 2 nations on earth that can not only self-sustain but thrive!

[@naps3386]

@@martijnstam6186 Oh really? Winter is coming...Nord Stream 1 not coming back. You will be burning the furniture and in an economic depression by Spring. You follow your leaders into the Abyss.

[@martijnstam6186]

@@naps3386 Educate yourself please. European Commission's Von Der Leyen cut a deal with Azerbaijan to increase gas sales to Europe from 8.1 to 12 billion cubic meters this year, 20 by 2027. Most European countries cut new deals like my home country the Netherlands installed 2 floating LNG terminals and signed contracts with different suppliers. Only for Germany as thelargest consumer it can be difficult if gas is shut down by Russia. So we are good, thank you.

[@mitch473]

ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE SANCTIONS START TO TAKE A STRANGLE HOLD ON THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE. GIVE IT A LITTLE MORE TIME AND WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.

[@michaelherron4306]

Back in the USSR

[@JO-nh6mo]

In fact the development is interesting to watch, they voluntarily chose the way back. there will be a second Soviet Union evolving, which might last a long time. And it will come down due to the same mistakes the first soviet union made. But this time we, the democracies of the world should not support them at all if they want to come back to our institutions and markets. They chose to go another way, the way back for them to be a partner is closed. Forever, under no circumstances.

[@GeneralWinter9]

Your institutions and markets are a joke and are currently being replaced.

[@Tsiqara]

To the girl at the end: Well, if you think that everything is beautiful, then keep living your miserable life in that swamp!

[@banana_junior_9000]

Um, bad things can happen to these people if they say anything negative.

[@eihwazz12]

oh they will withstand everything to defend their Tzar's castles

[@mandelorean6243]

"I think we heave enough resources to be independent" ... That's not what your czar thinks.

[@valevisa8429]

No country has enough resources to be independent in today's world.Unless they want to go back in time 100 years.Components of modern technology all come from outside Russia.

[@genechaas7369]

they are living 100 years in the past, and continuing to DEVOLVE .

[@basasure9065]

China ,India,Iran, then SA ,Brazil and Argentina just to name a few ,and almost all mentioned are BRICS members , that's literally biggest market out there...

[@maciekszymanski6898]

Even starving Russian always keep saying - "everything is all right, I support my government!".

[@TheSunflowerGalaxy]

It's hard to watch the Russian indifference and apathy to what is going on with Ukraine. Only a moderate percentage of Russians live in modern cities. Please interview the people in the villages, too.

[@ninelninel]

Have you been worried about the murdered people in Donbas for 8 years by ukrainian?

[@wai828]

@@ninelninel People in Donbas are Ukrainians, think again tankie.

[@TheSunflowerGalaxy]

@@ninelninel Explain these murders and how they justify mass murder of Ukrainians on their land?

[@betelge]

@@ninelninel yes. Russian séparatists murdered people of Donbass during these 8 years.

[@superfamicom5632]

people in the villages are more closed minded and most of them will support Putin for whatever he does

[@aegrotattoo9018]

These in the street interviews are quite highly restrained as the muscovites are well aware that they risk significant prison time if they even burp against putin.

[@phillee2814]

I fart in his general direction.

[@user-tk8gi5cl6j]

What do you mean "they risk significant prison time"?

[@The_Tau]

To be fair, Moscow would be the last place in Russia to suffer any shortages. They would prioritize it above any other region

[@user-tk8gi5cl6j]

What do you mean by "shortages"?

[@jimjoelliejack]

Give it a few more months and they will be eating the same menu as Solzhenitsyn -fish eye soup, as for the lack of designer cloths hessian sackings very durable.

[@johnmcintosh5413]

I’m not concerned about sanctions it’s a waste of time, my concerns are with the people who are really suffering in Ukraine 🇺🇦 & the loss of life to innocent civilians and the families of lost loved ones on both sides of the war , peace on earth 🌍✌🏼

[@sodalove272]

I'm a foreigner, living in small city near Moscow. Compare to a year ago, living expenses have gone up around 15%, mostly becuz of the change in food and goods prices. Seems like most Russians, young people and seniors, whom Ive spoken to felt their lives haven't changed much yet. Ive noticed more local products appear on grocery shelves, due to the shortage of foreign stuff.

[@jobrock1079]

"Ive noticed more local products appear on grocery shelves, due to the shortage of foreign stuff." This might be the kick they need to develop their own economy.

[@jamyangsamphel2717]

Russia will never realize the effect of the war but soon Ukraine would strike back with long range weapons and we can definitely see them crying soon .

[@c.erine78]

Sure right now it's still good, nothing missing so much, a bit of clothing, McDonalds, but when it comes down to eating, will they feel it? Or will the stolen grain suffice? I am not so sure. There is a saying "man can't live on bread alone" which is open to many interpretations, but I am thinking soon it will start to hurt. The young adapt right now, they can afford to skip a meal or two, but older people can't, especially my generation and older with health problems. Speaking of health, it opens more avenues of what might be felt. Suggestion, ask if they are getting all the medications they need or are there starting to be problems with that. (Apologies for being so longwinded)

[@Peteristrate]

That's an oversimpliefied analysis. You think they're more poor than afircans that they can't even afford food. This is completely unrealistic.

[@indieanna4380]

No the old Will come they are used to hard times, it's the young that have had a taste of the western life, that hopefully will complain.

[@RuleofFive]

Everyone seems to be doing well in Russia? Across the border thousands are dead, millions of lives have been ruined, cities destroyed but as long as you're not too inconvenienced then it's okay?

[@RuleofFive]

@human being Troll harder.

[@user-tk8gi5cl6j]

Ukraine is to blame. They are nazis and aggressors. It's our holy crusade for the entire humanity.

[@Dog.soldier1950]

Gee just like Germans in 1940…

[@markgoldberg5360]

like Americans and Europeans in 2001 right before Iraq

[@Dog.soldier1950]

@@markgoldberg5360 kinda skipping 9-11

[@NoSuffix]

Partially thanks to the short-sighted Merkel etc. built the EU economy on Russian energy supply. With a billion dollar oil & gas income per day, Putin can finance its war effort for quite a long time.

[@toby9999]

Not too much longer I hope with gas and oil exports into Europe falling rapidly and sales to India and Chine on tiny margins.

[@TheSIeepyhouse]

It's hard to miss things you never had.

[@adamanderson8334]

Wow the polarization between the older and younger generations can be seen and hear very clearly. In the 21first century isolation is not the way but it seems the older generation wants it and doesn't care if it happens. It's truly sad and I wish Russian citizens had a more open and free goverment.

[@djhenrikolsen]

It's hard to take in why young russians WANT to go back to Soviet era?

[@razor2k911]

Don't worry, people of the West. Democracy, freedom and human rights will prevail. Stand up to evil, stand up against tyranny. Stand united, keep together. The sun will shine again. Glory to the free world, glory to Ukraine!

[@georgearagon2546]

Just wait till your refrigerator gives out!😆😆

[@serge4746]

Life is beautiful if your TV tells you so!

[@jonkelly1920]

We’re constantly been told this is Putin’s war, but from everything I’ve seen the people of Russia as a hole are to be blamed!! Disappointed that not one person interviewed looked or seemed to show any sort of sadness for what THEIR doing to UKRAINE!!

[@yvyeeg6254]

Because it's not ordinary people who decided to go to war

[@starlightbarking9495]

75% of Russians support Putin

[@retroand]

Yet there's another factor most people is not considering which is how many of them may be lying. If I was in such an oppressive atmosphere and knew there would be consequences after telling what I really think I would also say everything is fine. More than 200k russians left the country during the first month of the war... that tells something.

[@jonkelly1920]

My wife’s Ukraine’s and as such we have Russian family and friends- literally over 90% of them believe in Putin and this war!! And most of them don’t actually live in Russia

[@user-tk8gi5cl6j]

What "THEIR doing to UKRAINE"?

[@hataeshik66]

Once again it shows that the boycott of Russia is NOT strong enough......if ordinary people are saying that they haven't lost anything and live like before. The world need to do stronger actions if the effects will be effective.

[@Minchya]

Listening to the comments reminds me of an old adage, ignorance is bliss !!!

[@jameshiggins1744]

I hope things change for the better. For everyone. Including Ukrainians and Russians. May God Bless all of you.

[@BandiMasha]

I spend at least 8 months each year in Russia. Just married a National and am planning to move there in the near future. Friends, family and even some Russians think I'm mad. After 6yrs of visits, numerous dealings with workers and officials, Russia as compared to European Countries, is at least 50yrs behind on many aspects. Their mentality takes a lot of getting used to. People are people no matter where you go to but overall, Russians I've met and become friends with are friendly and hospitable. It's difficult for them to change a system that's rigged, only time will eventually see all of the old guard disappear, only then with Russia start to become a more Democratic Country. It's Beautiful, it's Mental, it's Challenging and it's truly Unique.

[@bluecardholder]

Living in some parallel universe while woman and children die in Ukraine, makes me want to vomit.

[@unicajamalaga2]

Он потенциальный наёмник мабуть

[@bluecardholder]

@LIZZYinTHECUT Could be from anywhere in world apart from Russia.

[@bluecardholder]

@@unicajamalaga2 And you could be a Russian troll living in some fictitious false utopia while Putin and the oligarchs line their pockets while non-urban Russians live on the poverty line. Just saying.

[@unicajamalaga2]

@@bluecardholder perhaps

[@clarinda011]

If the Russians are doing so good, why are their soldiers stealing the toilets, washing machines, clothes ect of their so called enemies & the best of all, stealing the Ukranian soldiers socks and boots, bcs they say it's more comfy 🤔🙈 What kind of people, if you can use this word, are they?

[@Robis_Grigoris]

Comparing moscow and other less wealthy russia cities is like comparing Los Angeles to Zimbabwe.

[@user-tk8gi5cl6j]

Actually it's Ukrainian soldiers stealing the toilets, washing machines and clothes from brutalized Ukrainian population. Lots of crime in Ukraine and it's military.

[@julianmitchell7267]

I feel sorry for the guy who wants to study abroad and now he’s stuck there forever , I’d have to find a way out of that hellhole

[@lucky5853]

We must be aware that these people are not free to answer truthfully, they must be careful and not be critical of the government, 15 years of imprisonment awaits if they step out of line.

[@alexandriashown5745]

I read the comments and saw the obvious dissatisfaction of crazy people who were upset that Russian citizens were not suffering. That is, you are not even embarrassed that these people have nothing to do with the war in Ukraine and it was not their choice?

[@RickClifton]

When the population... the ordinary people, stand by in broad acceptance/acquiescence of what their government does in their name, then, that becomes their standard - I don't care if it is out of fear rather than misplaced patriotism. Heartless souls.

[@user-ss6js3fk3o]

@@RickClifton If you find out the whole truth about what is happening in Ukraine, then you will go to a rally in support of Russia, because you are being lied to. You do not know what is really happening, you expose Russia as the aggressor. But Russia has been waiting for the implementation of the Minsk agreements for 8 years, so that this does not happen, Zelensky promised to fulfill them, but did not fulfill them, he wanted to fight with Russia, he was preparing for this, he got what he wanted. So please tell me why should I go out and protest if I know the whole situation, I hate Zelensky because the war with Russia is more precious to him than the well-being of his own citizens. I sincerely feel sorry for the Ukrainian people, who are using the White House and Zelensky's puppet as cannon fodder in the fight for their interests. If we overthrow Putin and we have a pro-American president, so he will use Russia to harm China, just like he uses Zelensky, using the example of Ukraine, I understand that my country does not need this.

[@RickClifton]

@@user-ss6js3fk3o Here is what I know... your country initiated an on-going brutal invasion of a sovereign country. Many Russian soldiers have been sent with inferior equipment and even worse "leadership" - more than 30,000 are lost already. Sad for them, but my sympathy is for the Ukrainian people and my hope is that you, and anyone like you, pays a bitter price for the rest of your ignorant lives. Meanwhile, I'll continue to trust my lying eyes.

[@bbforlife2281]

It's bad they all lying they might get in trouble if they say something

[@tobysirus4996]

"We havent lost anything" Minus 40.000 Russian youth. These people really are not so bright.

[@ghlscitel6714]

Perfect. The "special economic operations" were never intended to hurt the normal people. Seems to work well.

[@stamfordmeetup]

they would tell you a much grimmer story if they didn't have the fear of being arrested and disappearing in siberian gulag.

[@againstviralmisinformation510]

😂😂what ever helps you coop with the inflation

[@stamfordmeetup]

@@againstviralmisinformation510 good point, thanks for the reminder. Russia has a massive inflation problem at the moment.🤣🤣🤣

[@againstviralmisinformation510]

@@stamfordmeetup 😂😂at least it’s going down while the US is going up. 9.1% inflation compared to 15.62. The gap is shrinking 🤣🤣

[@dawnburns880]

depressing. Ukraine gets bombarded every day and has lost their homes and lives because of the Russian leader and yet their people/Russians go on like nothing changed because hell, they ok

[@derekarnold3665]

I think what brings it home to me is the news of a mother and three year old child were killed when a cruise missile hit her apartment in Odessa. Plenty of other examples in the news. This is totally barbaric behaviour. We cannot let Ukraine lose this war.

[@jobrock1079]

It is the people of eastern/southeaster Ukraine who have been bombarded by Ukrainian military for over 8 years. Ukraine has been using photos of the people of Donbass who've been killed or maimed by Ukraine over these last years and currently, as Ukraine is now using western weapons to attack them, and claiming they are Ukrainian victims of Russian, when they are Donbass civilians. This shows that Ukraine doesn't have any pure civilian victims if they have to continually STEAL victims from the Donbass region. It shows Russia is aiming at the Ukrainian forces and soldiers - Russia is bombing their military training bases, weapons depots, mercenary camps. However, Ukrainian forces in the east hide in schools, hospitals and even people's homes, so this requires a lot of on-the-ground and street fighting which ends up destroying the infrastructure of a town/city. However, Russia does rebuild and restore utilities once it gains control. Russians have just restored the water for Mariupol.

[@jobrock1079]

@@derekarnold3665 There are children killed almost everyday in Donbass by Ukraine missiles and this has been going on over 8 years. The west had no conscience for all the children killed and maimed by Ukrainian forces. And even these children and civilians have been used recently by Ukraine to show "Ukrainian victims of Russians" when they are in fact victims of Ukrainian Tochka-U and other missiles. Ukraine is bombing these people every day AND in civilian areas with no military infrastructure around.

[@user-tk8gi5cl6j]

Ukraine had it coming. You simply can't kill ethnic Russians on the Russian doorstep. It's called consequences.

[@user-tk8gi5cl6j]

Why not?

[@zorminmeence519]

I want to say as a person who lives in Russia. In Russia, there are indeed a large number of people who do not support Putin and his actions in Ukraine, and understand why the sanctions were imposed. However, at the moment, globally, the sanctions are really devastating (many people have lost their businesses and jobs, industries are going through difficult times), but at the household level, it really is not so strongly felt. some goods and products have risen in price, but not so much has disappeared, and those that have disappeared have been replaced by local producers. About movies and series. In Russia (as in many exUSSR countries, including Ukraine), people often use illegal (pirated) content (this is due to the penestroika and the 90s).

[@honeybunch6473]

Ask all the famlies who have lost a son, a brother, a grandchild, a cousin, an uncle, a fiancé, a father. Then you will understand what true loss is.

[@ronnyrudeboy7461]

It seems to be more important for people to say sanctions haven´t affected them much as if they trying to understand and accept putin´s crimes for putting them very narrow path. in other words: looking stupid.

[@MsNextgeneration12]

Of course they're going to say everything is fine unless they want to go to prison. 🤣

[@MarincaGheorghe]

Yeah. Somebody goes to prison because they say things are not ok. As long as they don't refer directly to the war they can say anything that they want.

[@fairstnaimelastenaime1346]

Food prices here have finally almost doubled here in WA, previously up 50%....the youth don't have anything yet anyway, blissfully ignorant, which may be a blessing for them.

[@leneanderthalien]

These poeple did not talk the reality (the most sanction impacted people are the medium and high class): the prices from basic food in the large stores rise in appearance only 10 to 15%, but in reality it's closer to 25% because the packages are smaller and the composition many times manipulated, like for butter: from 200g the packages shrink to 180g and the content isn't pure butter but 70% butter and 30% vegetable fats (margarine). The rare imported food is now extremly expensive (between 50 and 80% expansiver, and the western automobile repairs parts cost twice or much more , new cars with similar cost as before the war are only russian (Lada/Avtovaz) or chinese, the only normal imported cars are Corean and they are much more expansive as before war.All other cars and parts comes from smuggling and cost 2 or 3x more as before war...

[@juanblanco1267]

Nobody misses them

[@chrisbecker5472]

I feel bad for the man who wants to study abroad. He wants broader education and that is a beautiful thing.

[@Jimmy4video]

He will make an effort to emigrate and Russia will lose another citizen.

[@Mannix26]

Wanting a “beautiful thing” is understandable. But why should abroad taxpayers pay for fulfilling his wishes ? I have wishes too, nobody cares....

[@chrisbecker5472]

@@Mannix26 If we all thought like that, the world would be a very cynical place. Cheer up, education for foreign students is cheaper but coming from a dystopian society like Russia since the war and media stranglehold i would prefer them to get slightly cheaper education an western countries than no education at all. All the education is Putinland right now is about invisible bio-lab super soldier Nazi Jews that were readying an unstoppable hoard to invade from Ukraine and destroy Russia. Wow. Makes for a great movie, not so much reality. Ps come live in Australia. Being Russian sux right now, how many comments per hour for rubles?

[@JO-nh6mo]

@@Jimmy4video Why should foreign countries accept Russians and pay for their education????

[@timsimpson9367]

If it's not affecting them turn it up. Bring in more sanctions.

[@sleepingninjaquiettime]

Interesting how some people look at things in extremes and others only look at it in a nuanced manner.

[@johnahh5130]

It's amazing how in many of the videos that have aired about muscovites opinions on the war and it's effects on them, how little they seem to care about the mass murder and destruction being carried out in Ukraine by their army. It's clear that most seem to believe that they have the right to carry on like that and that it's no big deal. Such ignorance of basic decency, arrogance and a disconnect from basic civilised behaviour. Of course it's not just them. It's all over the world. Might is right and 'country right or wrong'.

[@user-ss6js3fk3o]

Did you worry a lot when America killed people in Iraq, Iran, Libya and Yugoslavia? Stop being hypocritical, better take an interest in what is really happening in Ukraine and the real reason why Russia is at war with Ukraine, you will learn a lot of new things for yourself)

[@videogamestutorial]

Same when united states killed thousands in the middle east

[@MarincaGheorghe]

@@user-ss6js3fk3o whataboutism again. Ukraine is a neighbour country they know. Civilians are killed there at a scale unmatched this century. What are you talking about ?

[@L2ggs]

Russia voted for the Libya intervention and there were mass protests in USA and Europe against invasion of Iraq. Stop spreading Russian propaganda

[@lavatsameow2806]

Ukraine is translated as an edge into Russian. An edge of Russia.

[@gorn9161]

Sad older guy saying that: "There's no other way for us." - "I've gained something new." 40,000 dead and wounded Russians. Well, That's certainly new! There's no stopping karma when it comes home.

[@user-tk8gi5cl6j]

There is no "40,000 dead and wounded Russians". Return back to our universe!

[@gorn9161]

No one hates Russians and it's peoples. Change your govern mint.

[@gorn9161]

You know when Russians are lying? When their mouths are moving. Ukraine had to report to the Red Cross that the Russians weren't taking care of their dead. Just one more example of their callousness. Go tell the families that there sons are just "Missing" They won't believe you either.

[@bertdellaluna5612]

Just wait...

[@no-oneinparticular7264]

That blonde young woman, looking to the camera and stating the party line 😆

[@RDeckardN6]

Showing what happens in Moscow is misleading. Russia is a huge country and most of it lives in a semi-permanent poor condition. And sanctions are always effective in mid long term. If you want an example just look at Serbia, their economy is still suffering from the heavy sanctions that were imposed in the '90s. The last girl interviewed was clearly repeating her government propaganda like the female speaker of Kremlin.

[@Jake-co8xu]

As someone coming from Serbia I have to disagree with your statement about Serbia's sanctions during the 90s. The main reason we are behind central European countries today is because Serbia is highly corrupt and we also have political instability both internally and externally. Sanctions from 30 years ago are not to blame for todays shortcomings. It did have an effect on the economy during the 90s, but still, ordinary people were smuggling stuff from Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary.

[@RDeckardN6]

@@Jake-co8xu I get your point. Still I wonder if the high corruption and external/internal political instability are not (at least partially) a consequence of the balkan wars/sanctions in the '90s. I know for sure many serbs, especially young people, left the country to emigrate in the west leaving the country deprived of its best human resources. Exactly what is and will be happening to Russia. Most people usually don't understand how wrong/mad choices taken by a criminal/nationalistic government can affect the country for decades...

[@Jake-co8xu]

@@RDeckardN6 We currently have in power the same people we had during the 90s. I think we probably have some damage left from the sanctions from the 90s, but those are not that visible. The main problem Serbia has, and I believe the same goes for Russia on much higher magnitude, high corruption. We have one group of people who became rich in the 90s, and now, since they are in power, they just legalized all their stolen public money and came back to power in 2012. Many of them bought media outlets and small newspapers. Since 2012, Serbia is downsizing with democracy. Some interesting stuff for you outsiders. • There is one newspaper called Nova. Literally no one wanted to print them, some out of fear, some because they were owned by tycoons and they didn't want to print the newspaper , the newspaper even offered to overpay in order to print their daily newspapers. No one accepted their offer, with the excuse that they are too busy and have no free printing press to print these newspapers. So, Nova newspapers ended up going to Croatia, and print there. Everyday they print in another country and ship their newspapers back to Serbia. State owned media used that information and they have, along with president Vucic, accused the newspaper of being foreign funded, to be against the country and against the Serbs. Living in Serbia feels like Orwell's 1984, we are bombarded day and night with pro Russian and Chinese propaganda. Even yesterday on one of national TV channels they played some video, I presume from KZbin with robotic voice talking about Putin and Xi's meeting. You hear day and night how the west is bad, evil and are going to fall apart in any moment. While on the other hand, the future is in the east. China is stronger than ever, Putin outsmarted stupid and corrupt westerners, Ukrainians are not a nation, they are fascists...etc Couple of days ago, I was at a family dinner, and one from my relatives started talking about our main opposition. They hate Serbs and Serbia, they are corrupt, etc... This just proves how important is to have free and professional media. Luckily since I speak English and have access to internet, I still get to see what the outside looks like. Sadly, most old people and people who are older than 40, don't speak English. The only info they get is what they see on the TV and they are the majority that votes for these people in power. Since Serbia hasn't changed in last 30 years, I highly doubt Russia will either. Even after Putin, they will continue the same narrative.

[@RDeckardN6]

@@Jake-co8xu Dear friend, thank you for being so honest and precise in your description of current situation in Serbia. Yes, media control and manipulation is perhaps the first weapon in the hands of criminal/nationalistic governments. Still if something can change/break the situation it is the war. It happened with Milosevic and his entourage in Serbia in the late '90s, it is likely it will happen with Putin & co. in future (late '20s ?). The combined effect of international sanctions and the increasing losses on the battlefield will affect the russian people sooner or later, and the latter will be impossible to keep hidden as war is lasting months or years. So don't be too pessimistic. No one in 1989 expected the quick fall of communism in all eastern europe and it happened very fast and without violence (except Romania). History repeats, in bad and good.

[@Jake-co8xu]

@@RDeckardN6 As Gandhi once said "In politics things sometimes seem impossible, until they happen." Or to quote M. Twain "History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes". As for Milosevic, I think he fell because he lost all the wars, caused many to seek refuge and capitulated on Kosovo, where all started back in 1987. Even the regime change didn't change much. It was still apologetic towards the Slobodan's regime, still denied war crimes. And haven't solved a single murder of journalists. I am highly doubtful things will change in Russia in the short term, and that means somewhere from 50 years to 100. There is simply no political will for change, and since propaganda in Russia is so strong, and people are more prone to autocracy, change won't come soon. People are too brainwashed. The only change that will happen is when the generations switch. And that takes almost half a century.

[@ohhoney777]

“We have enough resources to be independent” Hahaha the cute naivety.

[@justsayen2024]

Do you think one person would sign their death warrant and say one thing?I guarantee you there's 4 KGB officers watching them at all times.

[@Minchya]

Listening to the comments reminds me of an old adage, ignorance is bliss !!!

[@rainydays999]

We need Russia's younger generation to study abroad so they learn what is going on in the world. Of course they wouldn't want to return to Russia!

[@oasis1282]

No

[@JO-nh6mo]

This has happened during the last 20 years. Nothing changes. These students are still convinced of their special historical mission of Russia. They shall study in Pyengyang, thats where they belong to be.

[@weseehowcommiegoogleis3770]

I want Russian cities leveled!

[@Jafmanz]

demand all you want child... you'll get nothing!

[@viktorviktorski183]

Shall we launch another operation barbarossa this time russia won't get lend lease from the US

[@naps3386]

Hate speech reported!

[@tarkovsky4280]

What do you mean you want Russian cities levelled ?

[@dennis8019]

@@tarkovsky4280 eye for a eye,, every death russia makes on ukraine soil should be counterattacked on russian soil.. its simple..

[@iliaskaranzas1382]

Denial is a helluva thing

[@bradleyengen9473]

O that is right its a special mission