Four years into its full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia is experiencing significant effects. Recruitment posters in towns like Yelets, located hundreds of kilometers from Moscow, now offer substantial sums for military enlistment, a stark contrast to the initial expectation of a swift operation.
In Yelets, murals depict fallen soldiers, a grim reminder of the human cost. While official casualty figures remain undisclosed, the widespread presence of memorials indicates substantial losses. Residents like Irina, a bus station ticket collector, speak of personal losses and the crushing burden of rising utility bills and prices, struggling to reconcile the current conflict with the clarity of past wars.
The war's impact extends to daily life, with emergency shelters installed even in parks and apartment basements due to drone attacks. Businesses are also feeling the economic pinch, forced to raise prices due to increased utility, rent, and VAT costs, contributing to a general sense of hardship.
While some express support for the "special military operation," they acknowledge the significant economic strain. The conflict is financially draining Russia, with a growing budget deficit and stagnating economy. Many Russians, facing rising costs and limited power to enact change, are hunkering down, hoping for a return to better times as the war enters its fifth year.