On Tuesday, as Kyiv suffered from yet another night of lethal missile and drone assaults, Russian state media chose not to cover the destroyed high-rise structures or burning vehicles.
Instead, Russian news outlets highlighted the successful targeting of multiple military sites in Ukraine and reported that over 380 Ukrainian drones were intercepted by the nation’s air defense systems.
However, the reality of Russia’s own weaknesses is becoming increasingly difficult to mask.
Local authorities confirmed that two civilians lost their lives in Russia during the nighttime assaults. Furthermore, media reports within the country indicate that Moscow intends to permit postal workers to carry anti-drone arms.
These actions illustrate how Ukraine’s escalating drone operations are penetrating deeper into Russian territory and affecting everyday life for regular Russians.
On Saturday, Ukraine targeted various locations in Russia, including Moscow, with a massive drone assault, showcasing its growing capability for long-range strikes.
A summer filled with assaults
For almost five years, the Kremlin has attempted to shield a significant portion of its populace from the harsh realities of its full-scale war against Ukraine, as well as the resulting economic repercussions.
Yet, this summer’s drone strikes on refineries, energy facilities, and e-commerce warehouses have served as a stark reminder that Russia is not invulnerable.
“Following the active drone strikes on Russia — particularly in Moscow and its surrounding area — the level of anxiety has significantly increased,” expressed Tatiana, 66, who requested to be identified only by her first name. “While driving to the dacha with the children, we saw a massive plume of smoke. Naturally, that incites fear.”
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Tatiana, like many others interviewed by CBC News for this report, communicated via voice messages on a messaging app. None wished to disclose their last names due to concerns about repercussions for talking to foreign media regarding the conflict.
She mentioned that she sometimes deceives her grandchildren when they awaken at night from the noise, telling them it’s construction work to avoid causing them fear.
At her dacha, a countryside residence, she noted that conversations often center around the anxiety triggered by the sound of drones overhead.
Vehicles queue to refuel at a Lukoil gas station in Moscow on Aug. 17, amidst fuel shortages following Ukrainian air assaults on oil refineries in Russia and reductions in gasoline production. (Anastasia Barashkova/Reuters)
Ukrainian strikes on refineries and energy sites have led to a fuel shortage in Russia, resulting in lengthy lines at gas stations, fuel rationing, and public discontent. Social media has shown instances of disputes and confrontations at some fueling stations.
The government has implemented measures to stabilize fuel supplies, including importing gasoline from nations such as India. This is a notable step considering Russia’s status as one of the globe’s top oil exporters.
The shortage has also boosted the usage of GdeBENZ (Where is the Benzine), an application that guides drivers to gas stations with available fuel.
Assessing the sentiment
Denis Volkov, director of the Moscow-based research and polling firm Levada Center, indicated that as the fuel crisis escalated earlier in the summer, surveys revealed increased anxiety and a drop in support for the Russian government.
Nonetheless, he noted that the general mood has improved slightly as fuel availability has increased.
Levada’s August survey, released on Thursday, was conducted via video calls with 1,600 individuals across Russia. Approximately one-quarter reported feelings of tension and fear, while nearly 60 percent described their mood as normal.
About two-thirds mentioned having encountered issues with mobile internet, messaging applications, or fuel. One-third indicated that the fuel scarcity had significantly impacted their lives.
A woman gazes out from her apartment in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Aug. 25. A recent survey revealed that about one-quarter of Russians reported experiencing tension and fear. (Dmitri Lovetsky/The Associated Press)
“The primary concerns are certainly economic, but also the ongoing continuation of the conflict,” Volkov stated in a phone interview with CBC News from Moscow.
Ksenia, 41, a single mother working in the civil service in Moscow, said she is not overly frightened by the drones. However, she is grappling with escalating costs.
“It seems like no salary or freelance income is sufficient to meet expenses anymore,” she told CBC News in a message.
“Is there any hope for the future? Who can say.”
Struggling economy
The Russian economy is projected to grow by a mere 0.4 percent this year, while many non-military sectors remain stagnant or in decline. Should Ukraine persist in targeting Russian assets, including its oil and grain export facilities, economic growth could be further hindered.
Recently, Andrei Klepach, chief economist at Russia’s state development bank, was dismissed after publicly discussing the economic challenges posed by the war.
Boris Titov, the Kremlin’s representative for international development, recently remarked that the Russian economy could become “berserk” if the nation continues to maintain its aggressive military posture.
In August, President Vladimir Putin issued a decree allowing the government to seize control of infrastructure deemed vulnerable to drone attacks.
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“The nation is plunging into a frightening abyss. Especially when reflecting on the economic outcomes of the past five years, it’s disheartening,” expressed Vitaliy, 40, a businessman from Noginsk, situated about 40 kilometers east of Moscow.
Vitaliy operates a company that supplies spare components to chemical facilities. He stated that Western sanctions have complicated the acquisition of foreign-made parts, necessitating a shift in the supply chain toward what he termed “domestic subpar products.”
“The business is collapsing. While I am not destitute, I am profoundly concerned about my future, my family’s well-being, and that of my loved ones.”
He also expressed sadness over the impact of the strikes on e-commerce warehouses due to the losses incurred by other entrepreneurs.
Onlookers observe as warehouses belonging to Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, burn following a Ukrainian drone strike in Koledino, a small village in the Moscow region, on Aug. 16. (Stringer/Reuters)
The one aspect providing him some comfort, he mentioned, is that his military service ID states he is fit for service “with restrictions.” He hopes this will prevent him from being caught up in another mobilization if the government initiates one.
Recently, there have been speculations that Russia is gearing up for another mobilization. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also suggested that this could take place after the parliamentary elections in Russia scheduled for September 18 to 20.
While the Kremlin has denied plans for another large-scale draft, apprehension remains, and the New York Times recently reported on men making arrangements to leave the country as a precaution.