Has the war in Ukraine changed Russia?

Start:

I witnessed the end of communist Russia and I lived for many years in independent Russia but for the last 10 months or so I've been living in special military operation Russia and this Russia feels very different I mean it's a strange mixture really there are some things which feel normal but then there are daily reminders or just constant reminders of the Russian invasion and of events in Ukraine.

Part 1:

Not everyone here supports the war in Ukraine but many Russians do buy into the kremlin's alternative reality According to which in Ukraine Russia is fighting Nazis and NATO and fighting to defend Russia. Thousands of Russian citizens have been drafted into the army and sent to Ukraine the economy and Industry here have virtually been put on a war footing and uh now even the the New Year decorations have been mobilized for the special military operation and to encourage a sense of patriotism.

Part 2:

So ahead of the New Year holidays the shops here are still pretty full despite Western sanctions although a lot of the international brands that used to be on the shelves uh have disappeared because those companies have left the Russian Market. You know this time last year I was wishing friends and family a happy peaceful New Year that worked out well didn't it?

Part 3:

What Russia did this year invading Ukraine has had devastating consequences first and foremost for Ukraine of course but also for this country okay the buses are still running the shops are still working Russia's still functioning but stability's gone and what we're witnessing is the militarization of Russian Society more aggression more oppression and more uncertainty about Russia's future.