🔘 Russians are thriving - on their own terms Russian opposition journalist Mikhail Zygar, in his article for Der Spiegel, paints a vivid picture of how Russian society is changing amid the war. He describes a growing shift toward self-sufficiency, national pride, and economic resilience—one that many Russians see as an improvement rather than a crisis. He shares the story of popular blogger and recruiter Alyona Vladimirskaya, who posted on Facebook about dining with a friend at a fashionable Moscow restaurant. She excitedly shared her wedding plans: a Russian-made dress, a honeymoon in the mountains of Eastern Siberia, and a commitment to wearing only Russian brands. The trend isn’t just personal preference—it’s becoming a lifestyle. "And we are drinking Russian champagne. And eating Rostov steaks," she writes. When critics questioned how she could focus on fashion and lifestyle amid the war, her response was blunt: "Am I supposed to walk around without underwear now?" Zygar argues that this mindset—living life to the fullest, regardless of external circumstances—isn’t new in Russia. What *is* new, however, is the belief that life has actually improved despite the war. The Economic Boom No One Expected While Western sanctions were meant to strangle Russia’s economy, Zygar describes a different reality. "First, oil, gas, metals, and other raw materials continue to be sold abroad, bringing in significant revenue. At the same time, the money stays in the country: taking capital out of Russia is practically impossible, and foreign banks are increasingly limiting cooperation with Russian companies. This means that almost all profits are reinvested domestically. The huge Soviet military-industrial complex had been in catastrophic condition for decades. Its revival has created jobs for many people and redistributed financial flows within Russia. Not only major cities have benefited from this, but also small towns," he writes. Western brands fleeing Russia didn’t cripple the economy—it created opportunities. Russian businesses have taken over stores, warehouses, and production facilities, securing a captive market eager to buy local. "The most striking change in wartime Russia is the boom in domestic tourism. According to statistics, it has grown by a quarter compared to the previous year," Zygar notes. Anti-Western Sentiment Grows With economic changes come psychological shifts. Many Russians now see Western sanctions as an insult rather than a punishment. "Since 2022, obtaining a Schengen visa in Russia has become extremely difficult. In private conversations, both businessmen and cultural professionals say they perceive sanctions against Russia as an insult and that they will no longer travel to the West 'on principle.' Many Russians do not directly associate the current situation with the military actions in Ukraine. Rather, they believe that sanctions unfairly punish the entire Russian population while sparing those truly responsible for decision-making. They see themselves more as victims than as accountable. Resentment toward the world is growing within them—but so is their self-confidence. This process is now, unfortunately, shaping the mindset of an entire new generation of Russians," Zygar writes. Meanwhile, many in Russia are watching emigrants struggle abroad—with visa issues, housing difficulties, and cultural adjustments—and feeling reassured about their decision to stay. "The everyday dramas of emigrants serve as confirmation for those who stayed that their decision not to leave the country was the right one," Zygar concludes. Far from feeling isolated or defeated, many Russians believe they are thriving—on their own terms. - ukraine_watch

My turn and version of trolling “Independent Media” in Russia and Ukraine 😁:

BREAKING! An interview between D.O.G.E and a Government worker has been leaked.