Moscow and St. Petersburg No Longer Spared: Russians Describe Life Under Threat of Attack

The war in Ukraine has begun to intrude upon the lives of residents in Russia's major cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg, who for years felt insulated from the conflict. A growing sense of insecurity and war fatigue is palpable as Ukrainian drone attacks become more frequent and reach deeper into Russian territory.

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The drone fell on the canopy under the balcony, and then it caught fire. Black smoke started coming out.

For many, the recent attacks represent the first time they feel the war has directly impacted their homes. Elena Vladimirovna, a 56-year-old from Zelenograd near Moscow, recounted waking to the sound of drones followed by an explosion that damaged her apartment. "The drone fell on the canopy under the balcony, and then it caught fire. Black smoke started coming out," she recalled, describing the terrifying experience.

Nadezhda from Khimki, a town near Moscow, shared how the attacks have left her on edge. "Now I jump at everything, even when teenagers throw firecrackers. I'm constantly tense," she admitted. Another resident near St. Petersburg described sleepless nights filled with the sound of drones and air defense systems, fearing for her building's safety.

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Now I jump at everything, even when teenagers throw firecrackers. I'm constantly tense.

These direct experiences of conflict are compounded by economic woes. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have led to fuel supply issues in some regions. Furthermore, restrictions on internet access and the blocking of certain communication apps have added to public frustration. There is also a growing concern among some Russians about increased state surveillance of their communications.

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It was impossible to sleep. I was afraid our building could be hit.

Sociologist Aleksandra Arkhipova notes a shift in public sentiment. For years, authorities conveyed a message of normalcy to Moscow residents, suggesting the war was distant. "Live your life, the war is not for you," she described the unspoken understanding. However, the increasing frequency and proximity of attacks are eroding this sense of detachment, bringing the realities of the conflict closer to home.

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Live your life, the war is not for you.