Russians are growing anxious and angry

A palpable sense of anxiety and anger is growing among Russians as the conflict in Ukraine increasingly intrudes upon their everyday existence. The war, once perceived as distant by some, has now "come home" and become a problem for everyone.

Recent Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russia's oil infrastructure have exacerbated existing issues, leading to noticeable fuel shortages and soaring prices at gas stations in Moscow and likely elsewhere. This disruption to essential resources adds another layer of stress to the lives of ordinary citizens.

The atmosphere in major transport hubs, such as Moscow's railway stations, reflects this shift. Traditionally bustling with holidaymakers, these stations now exhibit a different mood. Trains heading towards Crimea are described as "spookily empty," while the presence of men in uniform is more prominent. A pervasive sense of anxiety now mingles with the usual travel crowds, as conversations frequently turn to fuel scarcity, drone strikes, internet disruptions, and the looming threat of further mobilization.