Russia Today

 

Hi everyone, this week I thought I would wrap the posts about Russia with a bit about what it’s like now days.

So, the country is experiencing a period of significant transformation and challenges. While its economy has shown resilience, particularly in the face of Western sanctions, it remains heavily reliant on energy exports and faces persistent issues with corruption and human rights abuses. The ongoing war in Ukraine has also led to intensified repression of dissent and a decline in international relations. 

Power is concentrated in the hands of President Vladimir Putin, with a system that suppresses genuine opposition and controls the media. 

Life expectancy is lower than the OECD average, and there are issues with poverty and inequality. Life expectancy for women is 78 years, compared with 68 for men.

The war with the Ukraine has had a profound impact on Russia, leading to a decline in international relations and increased repression within the country. While overall confidence in the military remains high, there are signs that the war has eroded some support, particularly in comparison to pre-war levels. 

The war is a significant factor in Russian life, with many citizens living in a "twilight zone" where the war is both ubiquitous and a backdrop to everyday life. 

The Russian government has been using propaganda to portray the war as a struggle against the West, and this has been effective in uniting some segments of the population. 

The war has led to a transfer of wealth from the government to the military and regions impacted by the conflict, creating a temporary consumer boom. 

Russia's international standing has been severely damaged by the war, and it faces increased isolation. 

Many countries advise against all travel to Russia due to the ongoing war and associated risks. Also, there's a high threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks in Russia. Attacks can be indiscriminate and may occur on or around seasonal, festive, or religious events in public places, including popular tourist sites.

 

Next week we will move on to somewhere else as yet undecided