Beyond the Front Lines: How Four Years of War in Ukraine Have Changed Russia

A Nation Transformed: Four Years into the Conflict

As the conflict in Ukraine marks its fourth year, the ripples of war have profoundly reshaped the landscape of Russia. What began with an announcement of a “special military operation” by President Vladimir Putin has evolved into a protracted struggle, impacting everything from individual liberties to market choices. Yet, paradoxically, public support for the war appears to remain robust, creating a complex tapestry of national sentiment. To understand this intricate transformation, Al Jazeera engaged with individuals both within Russia and among the Russian diaspora, offering a rare glimpse into the daily realities.

The duration of this conflict now surpasses Russia’s involvement in World War II (1941-1945), and the human cost is staggering. Independent Russian media outlet MediaZona reports over 186,000 verified Russian combat deaths – a figure nearly thirteen times higher than the Red Army’s losses during the entire decade-long Soviet-Afghan War. While millions of Ukrainians endure a bitter winter amid missile attacks on their energy infrastructure, the question remains:How four years of war in Ukraine have changed Russia, and how do its citizens perceive this new normal?

Life Under Fire: Russia’s Border Regions

For residents in western Russian regions like Kursk and Belgorod, the war is an ever-present reality, not a distant conflict. These areas have endured consistent artillery fire, drone incursions, and even ground assaults by Ukrainian forces, with parts of Kursk temporarily falling under Ukrainian control.

Ben, a 25-year-old YouTuber from the UK who settled in Kursk with his Russian wife in 2021, recounted the early days: “Just over a year ago, whilst Ukrainian forces were still in this region, you’d get strikes multiple times per day.” He added a surprising insight into human adaptation: “I think what might shock people is how used to it locals became, and me included in that. Nobody ran to shelters with each strike. Otherwise, you’d never be able to live your life. You’d always be in there.” The toll on civilians is stark; local news site Fonar.tv reports at least 458 civilian fatalities in the Belgorod region alone since the war began.

Urban Resilience: Moscow and St. Petersburg

In stark contrast to the borderlands, major Russian metropolises such as Moscow and St. Petersburg have largely been shielded from direct conflict. The Western sanctions, intended to cripple the Russian economy, are often perceived by urban dwellers as mere inconveniences rather than existential threats.

Andrey, a 30-year-old Muscovite, commented on rising costs: “It’s so expensive. I’m in shock. It’s just like Europe. Everybody’s complaining about the prices there, too.” He noted that even modest purchases can amount to significant sums. Yet, he observed a surprising resilience in purchasing power: “But in Moscow, people’s purchasing power hasn’t obviously fallen much. Kids are crowded in lines at supermarket cafes. The whole city is full of taxi drivers and endless delivery drivers.”

Navigating Consumer Shifts and Sanctions

While the urban economy remains bustling, the availability of certain consumer goods has certainly shifted. Kirill F, a 39-year-old photographer from St. Petersburg, noted the disappearance of familiar brands. “It became very problematic to find some brands that you used to buy before,” he explained. While some can be found through resellers at inflated prices, they are no longer mainstream. He noted a recent return of some South Korean brands, like LG appliances, and a proliferation of Chinese alternatives. However, the quality often falls short: “not as good quality as the tech we used to get from Germany or Poland.”

Overcoming international payment restrictions, imposed due to Western sanctions, has required ingenuity. Kirill, for instance, opened a bank account in Kyrgyzstan to facilitate app payments—an annoyance, but not an insurmountable barrier to daily life.

The Tightening Grip of Information Control

Perhaps one of the most significant changes, particularly for younger generations, has been the Kremlin’s intensified control over information. Since 2022, strict laws have been enacted to penalize what the government deems “fake news” about the conflict. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been blocked, and access to WhatsApp, Telegram, and YouTube has been made more difficult, with state-backed alternatives like RuTube and Max messaging promoted in their stead.

Kirill expressed his frustration: “At first, we were blocked from using Facebook, but we had few people using it, and they just installed VPNs, and then YouTube was banned.” He believes these restrictions disproportionately affect the youth: “For ordinary citizens, this blockage just worsens life. That’s all. Younger people perceive it as a violation of their personal life, and they will grow up hating the state.”

Evolving Narratives and Public Opinion

Opinion polls consistently indicate widespread public support for the war. However, analysts caution that the laws criminalizing anti-war sentiment make it exceedingly difficult to gauge the true accuracy of these surveys. The narratives surrounding the conflict are deeply personal for many.

Vladislav, 30, from Saratov, witnessed his brother enlist as a drone pilot a month ago, drawn by generous military pay packets. Vladislav’s own views evolved dramatically. Initially skeptical of the “denazification” claims, he later found himself convinced by images of alleged fascist symbols used by some Ukrainian forces. “Both my grandparents were WWII veterans; may they rest in peace,” he stated, expressing newfound conviction: “Zelenskyy and his entire fascist fraternity must be destroyed, no more prisons. … I hope my brother will make a huge contribution.”

Kirill, too, harbored initial doubts, viewing the invasion as a diplomatic failure. While he still winces at pro-war symbols, his perspective has hardened over time, especially towards external criticisms. “We read both the foreign press and the liberal analysts, who told us the Russian economy had two weeks left, yet here we are four years later, and everything’s fine,” he reflected, his voice laced with cynicism. “What do you think our attitude will be towards the people who told us such things?”

A Complex New Reality

How four years of war in Ukraine have changed Russiais not a simple question with a single answer. It's a tale of contrasting experiences: from daily bombardments in border towns to the relative normalcy of bustling metropolises, from the frustration of losing Western brands to the ingenuity of bypassing sanctions. Beneath the surface, government control over information tightens, while individual beliefs, shaped by both state narratives and personal histories, continue to adapt. This complex interplay of hardship, adaptation, and shifting loyalties defines Russia four years into its most significant modern conflict.