A thousand days of conflict between Russia and Ukraine have led to a society steeped in fear and propaganda. War glorification permeates daily life in Russia, with harsh penalties for dissent. Notable cases highlight the chilling effects of repression, as public sympathy for victims remains minimal. While many support President Putin’s regime, the toll of the war and the growing number of casualties reveal a nation grappling with the consequences of prolonged conflict and a stifling atmosphere.
1,000 Days of Conflict: The Impact of War on Russia and Ukraine
Propaganda in Everyday Life
A thousand days ago, Russia launched a significant military offensive into Ukraine, and the repercussions of this conflict have reshaped the nation. Fear, propaganda, and denunciation have become pervasive in Russian society. A striking poster below a menacing image of a Russian helicopter ominously states, “You can hide or not. He will find you. He is evil. He is our predator.” This is just one of many war-glorifying images displayed in the Old Arbat, Moscow’s renowned pedestrian area.
Another captivating poster showcases a tank charging directly at the viewer, accompanied by the chilling message, “Do you hear it? The noise of inevitable retaliation?” While passersby frequently ignore these provocative displays, they serve as a constant reminder of the war that has become ingrained in daily life.
As the days of this so-called “special military operation” stretch on, a picture of a soldier adorned with an icon-like halo hangs nearby, reinforcing the narrative that the war is not only justified but sacred. A poster boldly proclaims, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This sentiment creates an atmosphere where criticism is not just unwelcome but dangerous.
The Consequences of Dissent
Openly opposing the war can lead to severe repercussions under Russia’s stringent laws against “discrediting” the military. The case of Ilya Yashin, an opposition figure imprisoned for discussing the war on his YouTube channel, serves as a stark warning. Many others, often less prominent, face imprisonment for minor actions, such as a simple “like” on a social media post. Take the case of 68-year-old pediatrician Nadezhda Buyanova, who has been sentenced to five and a half years in a penal colony for allegedly making critical comments during a patient appointment.
Buyanova vehemently denied the accusations, claiming there was no evidence against her. Yet, in the current climate, where denunciation is commonplace, her conviction illustrates the chilling effect of fear that permeates Russian society.
As the war continues to be a focal point in public life, the military parades commemorating victories in World War II are reminders of Russia’s militaristic pride. The omnipresence of war propaganda infiltrates every aspect of life, from Vladivostok to Siberia. The relentless stream of “success” reports on state television and aggressive talk shows dominate the media landscape, leaving little room for dissenting voices.
The Toll of War on Society
However, 1,000 days of conflict also translate to a growing number of graves across Russia. New burial fields are emerging, like in Syktyvkar, where local soldiers who perished in Ukraine are laid to rest in zinc coffins. Although the BBC has reported over 70,000 verified casualties, many believe the actual numbers are much higher, as Russian authorities remain tight-lipped about the true extent of the losses.
Despite the grim reality, the silence surrounding these casualties speaks volumes. High monetary compensations for survivors and posthumous awards serve as a means to suppress public outrage and discontent. For nearly three years, a somber quiet has settled over the nation, while President Putin solidifies his grip on power.
A Society Divided by Fear
Public sympathy for the victims in Ukraine is scarce, often overshadowed by either fear or indifference. Occasionally, small tokens of remembrance appear near monuments dedicated to Ukrainian poets or street signs. Handwritten notes expressing sorrow or blue and yellow ribbons can occasionally be spotted, but widespread public outrage is largely absent.
The pervasive fear surrounding these 1,000 days of conflict has warped social dynamics, with sociologists noting that fear significantly influences survey results. A civil society, once vibrant, has nearly vanished, according to UN human rights reports.
Public Support for the Regime
Despite the oppressive atmosphere, the independent Levada Institute suggests that a significant portion of the Russian populace supports President Putin’s policies. The state-affiliated Institute for Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences indicates that 78 percent of Russians back the government’s current trajectory, with support reportedly increasing.
Human rights activist Oleg Orlov, currently in Germany, reflects on the situation in Russia. He notes that respondents are eager to engage in discussions, revealing a complex relationship with the ongoing conflict. According to institute director Mikhail Gorshkov, the data suggests a reinvigorated national sentiment, as Russia grapples with the consequences of a protracted war.