August M
Daily life in Russia is changing in quiet but persistent ways. Away from the front lines, economic pressure, tighter controls and a muted public mood are reshaping how people live, work and speak.
Many describe a sense of stagnation rather than sudden collapse.
Rising pressure
According to Newsweek, four years of full-scale war are increasingly affecting ordinary Russians through higher prices, taxes and a growing sense of restriction.
From 2026, the government plans to raise VAT from 20 to 22 percent, while around 40 percent of the federal budget is set to be directed toward war-related spending. Interviewees told Newsweek they have felt the impact since 2022, pointing to rising food and clothing prices and a steady erosion of middle-class living standards.
Entrepreneurs are also concerned. Changes to income thresholds linked to VAT filing could increase costs for small businesses and force some to shut down, signalling what WP Wiadomości described as a deeper reach into citizens’ finances.
Muted conversations
By the end of 2025, many Russians described the national mood as bleak. Conversations cited by Newsweek suggest the war is rarely discussed openly, driven by fear of reprisals and a sense of helplessness.
Billboards promoting military contracts have appeared in major cities, but without using the words “war” or “Ukraine”. People instead speak cautiously about prices, daily struggles and a lack of prospects for improvement.
The atmosphere, interviewees said, feels stifling rather than openly repressive.
Digital clampdown
State control is also tightening online. Authorities are promoting the state-owned Max messenger, while regulator Roskomnadzor has restricted or blocked competing services.
According to Newsweek, WhatsApp, FaceTime and Telegram audio calls have been affected. Roblox has also been blocked, largely because users can communicate freely in chat rooms, prompting complaints from children and parents.
In some regions vulnerable to drone attacks, mobile internet access has been limited, creating difficulties for everyday tasks and even for patients reliant on internet-connected devices.
Economy reshaped
The war has reshaped consumer life. With Western brands gone, Chinese cars now dominate city streets. Interviewees told Newsweek that nine out of ten new cars in their neighbourhoods were Chinese models.
Drone strikes on infrastructure have worsened economic pressures. Fuel processing reportedly fell by about 20 percent in the autumn, leading to local petrol shortages.
Despite these strains, public attitudes remain complex. A Levada Center poll found 73 percent support the army’s actions, while 66 percent support peace talks. “There’s no paradox here, because propaganda has successfully convinced Russians that their army is fighting for peace,” the Newsweek article noted.
Sources: WP Wiadomości, Newsweek, Levada Center
