The history of Russia‘s empire has a big influence in Moscow. The walls and towers of the Kremlin are so big that when visitors see them from Red Square, they feel very small.
When I go to Victory Park, which is five miles away, I feel the same way. It is a big place with museums and memorials made to remember when the Soviet Union won against Nazi Germany. The main attraction is a big square with a tall obelisk that is 141. 8mIt represents each day of the Great Patriotic War, which was the Soviet Union’s involvement in World War Two after the Nazi invasion.
When I go there, it’s the day when Russians celebrate their flag. A really big flag, said to be the biggest in the country, is being raised on the square.
Surrounded by strict rows of Russian soldiers, the flag is unfolded while a military band plays songs that make people feel proud of their country. The person in charge of the museum gives a talk, emphasizing that these events bring our community together.
The Russian government has been promoting events that celebrate their country and show pride in it more often since they invaded Ukraine.
Inside the Victory Museum, there is a special exhibit dedicated to the heroic individuals involved in a specific military mission. Information boards are comparing the Russian soldiers who are currently fighting in Ukraine to the Soviet soldiers who fought in World War II.
Andrei Afanasiev, a blogger who supports the government of Russia and teaches at a university, agrees to meet with me. He says that loving one’s country is very important during times of war. He believes that the conflict between the West and Russia has made Russians realize that they can only rely on themselves.
“You can trust only yourself, your country, and your military. ” Certainly, people are more patriotic now than they used to be. “War brings us together and inspires us,” he says.
I ask Andrei if he thinks the war is going poorly for Russia. “He disagrees,” he answers. I think Russia will be successful. We are prepared to win.
On Russian television, they talk about “successes” and “progress,” but the truth is not the same.
The Russian military knows they are in a big problem. According to a unnamed Russian military analyst, they lost land and their morale is really low.
They’re not ready for modern battles. The amount of money being lost is very high.
Did the president tell the truth about the actual situation on the battlefield. No, he says. People at all levels of authority are telling lies. As information spreads, it gets more and more twisted.
The analyst says that Russian officers in Ukraine are feeling anxious because they are barely managing to hold on as Kyiv launches its own attack.
Not only the Russian military is worried. The overall feeling I experience in Moscow is that people are generally feeling anxious or on edge. And there are many things to be concerned about.
In June, Yevgeny Prigozhin started a rebellion and walked towards the main city. The head of the Wagner mercenary group was said to have died in a strange plane accident, which caused people to accuse the Russian government of being involved.
Earlier this month, the value of the rouble dropped significantly. Furthermore, there are frequent drone attacks happening in Moscow almost every day.
Although Russians don’t seem to be worried about these events on their own, many are concerned about the present and afraid of what may happen in the future.
In Gorky Park, which is like Moscow’s version of Hyde Park in London, there is a very peaceful and beautiful setting. Families can be seen walking along the riverside and enjoying activities like rollerblading. On the other hand, there is a big gray building called the Russian Defence Ministry. It has a system to shoot down planes that might attack.
It’s very different to see a surface-to-air missile system beside a beautiful park.
Svyatoslav says that he is not concerned about the air-defence system. Let them place a powerful weapon there if it makes them feel safer. I like what’s happening and we should take over all of Ukraine.
A woman named Irina also says she is not very bothered by the missiles in the middle of Russia’s capital. My feelings are steady, and my mind has gotten used to the situation. I am not as worried as I was before. But I believe that everything will get better and be resolved positively.
Pavel and his wife Olga are taking a walk together. They have different opinions on the war in Ukraine: Olga thinks the Kremlin is right and thinks Ukraine is responsible, but her husband believes it’s Russia’s fault.
Pavel confesses that he is concerned about the drones falling in Moscow. But we agreed not to discuss politics, so that we can avoid arguing and annoying each other.
Many people don’t want to think about what is happening in cities and towns in Ukraine that are less than a day’s drive away.
Not many people in Moscow seem to be feeling excited or enthusiastic about going to war, even though Andrei Afanasiev says otherwise. Not many people wear clothing with the letter Z or other symbols of Russia’s war while walking on the streets. Among many people, there is a lack of interest, a feeling of giving up, or a quiet acceptance.
Many people in positions of authority feel the same way, including someone close to the Kremlin who is talking to me secretly.
People working in the Presidential Administration are either feeling oppressed or sad. They have been working there for a long time and have not gained any other experience. They don’t feel good about what’s coming ahead, but they don’t resist it and just follow along. The source says that there is not another option.
He says that people are scared to talk because there is no one opposing Putin in the government building called the Kremlin.
People in Moscow are very scared right now. In a little room hidden on the highest floor of a shopping center, a gathering of people who disagree with the current situation is happening. They have set up a table with cookies, drinks, and small bites.
Yulia Galyamina, a local politician, is in charge of the meeting. She is one of the very few opposition figures in Russia who have not been sent to jail or forced to leave the country.
“She says that someone different gets arrested every week. ” I am always prepared for someone to knock on the door. I am lonely, but I believe I am doing the correct thing. My people need politicians in their country.
Some of the activists do not want to use their real names.
Yulia, who is an anti-war activist, considers herself fortunate to not be in jail at this point.
I want to know what message she wants to give to people in the West who believe that all Russians are in favor of the war.
“I want to mention that there are many people here who are against war and actively work to promote peace. Despite this, I believe that humanity will ultimately succeed. ” We are in a battle and we will try our hardest.