Russia currently faces an array of sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. This has put Russia on the brink of an economic crisis, with some basic food items in short supply, inflation rising, and businesses leaving the country.
How are people in Russia experiencing this unprecedented situation? What does everyday life look like at the moment?
RTL’s Sabrina Backes recently spoke to a Luxembourger who studies in Moscow about life in sanctioned Russia. The student wanted to remain anonymous, noting that simply labelling the war as a war represents a danger to his safety.
He explained: “It has become quite complicated to give an opinion. It used to be difficult even before the invasion, but now more than ever. I also do not want to take any risks as I am only studying here for a couple of months. I do not want to make the situation any more complicated for myself than it already is.”
The student elaborated that it is also difficult to access news that is not coming from official Russian state media. Since the beginning of the war, independent media outlets have mostly left the country: “I can only get my information with the help of a V[irtual] P[rivate] N[etwork]. With it I can access Twitter to get news. All bloggers reporting on current affairs are living abroad.”
The Luxembourger finds it difficult to assess what Russians think about the current situation. He described them as guarded and said they do not really discuss it in public. Those who dare speak about it have to fear consequences.
The student also talked about how his university has been affected by the invasion: “Two of our professors have already been let go for criticising the war on Facebook. Many others fled to Armenia or Georgia for being at risk.”
In general, everyday life in Moscow continues same as before, the Luxembourger explained. Most of the basic food items are once again available: “I have not seen any clear attempts of rationing. However, inflation really is a big problem. And I think if even I notice that, everyone has to be affected.”
Even though some major Western corporations have halted their activities in Russia, like McDonald’s, many others still continue business in the country: “There are many chains that officially said they would close, but that have remained open. I think they cannot really monitor what is happening on a local level.”
In the end, it is the people of Russia who are mostly suffering under the sanctions. The current situation has widened the gap between rich and poor even further, the Luxembourgish student concluded.
