– Moscow and St. Petersburg live their own rhythm. Full cafes, smiling people, life goes on normally. But in the basement of the opposition there are young people who want something more – says “Rzeczpospolita” Lew Ponomariow, a Russian defender of human rights, co -founder of the Memorial Association, who after the invasion emigrated to France.
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Russia's attack on Ukraine as a source of income
“Rzeczpospolita” mentions the benefits of attacking Ukraine for ordinary Russians. The biggest change is how many Russians began to treat the war as a way to improve their financial situation. Participation in the “Special Military Operation” can mean not only high danning, but also compensation for families. In the case of soldiers from St. Petersburg, benefits for loved ones can reach up to 10 million rubles (approx. PLN 450,000).
This opened the way to abuse. In July, a criminal group was broken up in Chanta-Amansen, which forced soldiers to make fictitious marriages. Earlier, a real estate agent from Tomsk advised women to marry soldiers only to receive a flat after their death – for which she was doomed to social work.
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The Russians also decide on military contracts for purely economic reasons. Even without experience, you can count on 3.2 million rubles for signing the contract and an annual pay almost twice as high. These are huge amounts, considering that the average monthly salary in Russia last year amounted to 87 thousand. rubles (approx. PLN 4,000), and in the poorer regions – even twice less.
War with Ukraine? Russians: This is not our problem
Research from the Independent Lewada Center cited by the “Rzeczpospolita” shows that social interest in war has dropped significantly. Only 20 percent Russians feel anxiety or tension, while 62 percent He declares a “normal, stable mood”, and almost every fifth examined – even good humor.
– Our latest research shows that the Russians considered the Israeli-Iranian war in June than the war in Ukraine. Only the weather aroused even less emotion – says “Rzeczpospolita” Lew Gudkow, director of the Lewada center.
Gudkow emphasizes that there is no grassroots pressure in society at the end of the war. – Most know that Putin does not want to stop her. But instead of protesting, the Russians are waiting for someone from the outside – e.g. Donald Trump – “magically” to solve the problem – he assesses.
