SOFINO, Russia — Despite rising economic strains and increased military activity within Russian territory, many residents continue to maintain a sense of normalcy and express resilience amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Recent Ukrainian drone strikes have reached areas near Moscow, including Sofino, a town about an hour outside the capital, where an industrial complex and a residential building were hit, resulting in two fatalities. These attacks have intensified the war’s presence within Russia, traditionally distant from much of the population's daily experience.
At a Rosneft gas station en route to Sofino, motorists queued for gasoline amid shortages of diesel fuel and notable price increases. Some locals, like a young man named Danya, downplayed the impact of these shortages, repeatedly asserting that “everything is fine” despite observable challenges. Such responses reflect a combination of factors including fear of government reprisal, acceptance of hardship as an ongoing reality, and the pervasive influence of state media narratives.
The Ukrainian strategy aims in part to pressure Russia’s domestic population by targeting industrial and military infrastructure to erode public support for the war. While strikes have significantly reduced Russian oil production, analysts note that the economic impact has yet to shift everyday life markedly or foment widespread opposition. Kyiv’s campaigns focus largely on military and economic targets and do not generate the same level of civilian fear as Russian attacks on Ukrainian urban centers.
Some residents in affected areas expressed heightened animosity toward Ukraine and its Western allies, citing destruction of homes and communities. For instance, residents in Sofino voiced distrust in Ukraine while showing continued support for President Vladimir V. Putin. Lusya, a local displaced by the bombings, described her experience as surreal yet maintained faith in Russia’s leadership.
This endurance amid adversity echoes historical narratives in Russia, where past generations have endured prolonged hardship during times of war and political upheaval. Social researchers describe this as a recurring adaptation to a “new normal,” with many Russians tuning out the conflict. Polling conducted last month by an independent center indicated nearly 60 percent of respondents paid little or no attention to the fighting, while approximately six in ten believed the country was on the right track—a notable increase since earlier this year.
However, the reliability of polling data in Russia remains limited due to the authoritarian political climate. Analysts suggest that while public pressure has not reached a level sufficient to influence Kremlin policy, ongoing economic difficulties and growing distrust in official information could eventually lead to greater discontent.
Some individuals, like Irina, a gas station manager, conveyed a more personal and somber view of the conflict. With family members directly involved in the fighting and the threat of attacks looming nearby, she acknowledged the cost of war and expressed skepticism about government transparency concerning casualties. Her outlook reflected a fatalistic acceptance of the situation, tempered by concern for loved ones.
At the same time, opposition voices remain constrained by the risks inherent in dissent. Maria, a young antiwar activist affiliated with Russia’s banned Yabloko party, highlighted the severe repression faced by political prisoners and activists, underscoring the challenges to organizing opposition or protest.
Experts caution that while many Russians may appear apathetic or resigned, this does not equate to disengagement. Rather, the combination of state repression and economic strain limits opportunities for public dissent. The trajectory of domestic attitudes toward the war will likely depend on how these pressures evolve in the months ahead.