Inside Russia: Resignation, Repression, and a Flicker of Opposition as the Ukraine War Persists

Interviewed resident Khrushcheva describes a prevailing sense of resignation among Russians, coupled with annoyance at the ongoing war. She notes that many people have come to accept that the conflict “is going to go forever,” which dampens hopes for rapid change.

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Khrushcheva points to deteriorating living conditions: frequent gas-line disruptions, attacks on the online retailer Wildberries, and marketplace explosions that have killed “about 300 people” in recent months—far more than in previous periods. These setbacks, she says, reinforce the public’s resignation.

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Despite state control, Khrushcheva observes a surge in interest among teenagers—ages 13 to 16—in opposition parties such as the Yabloko Party and the Apple Party. She explains that these young citizens are drawn to alternatives that challenge the ruling establishment, even though the parties were previously marginal.

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Khrushcheva reports that many Western films and news outlets remain reachable through virtual-private networks (VPNs), allowing Russians to view content not sanctioned by the state. However, she warns that the government’s fear of growing anti-war sentiment is prompting tighter restrictions on both foreign and domestic media.

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According to Khrushcheva, police are increasingly detaining very young people simply for expressing dissent, a tactic she believes aims to pre-empt any collective action. She predicts that “repressions will only increase,” reflecting a climate where citizens feel they cannot speak freely without risking arrest.

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• 300+ deaths in recent months from marketplace explosions and related incidents.

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• Teenagers (13-16) showing measurable support for opposition parties Yabloko and Apple.

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Khrushcheva anticipates that the Russian state will continue to tighten control over public expression and media access, while the underlying public mood remains one of resignation mixed with quiet, youthful opposition.

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