Being Russia and Russian now

[Jamala]

Russian banks, oligarchs, and technology imports have been the targets of West Europe and the US sanctions. But ordinary Russians' economic lives haven't being affected much since the war in Ukraine, when they were placed under extensive restrictions meant to decrease Moscow's war chest. Joblessness rate hasn't increases, no plunging money and no lines at banks. The arrangement at the general store is minimal changed, with worldwide brands still accessible or local substitutes replacing them. At some Moscow malls, crowds may have decreased, but not significantly. Local brands have replacing McDonald and Starbucks
A local once said, "Economically, nothing has changed". He still goes to work and shopping like before the war. Well, maybe the prices of some items have gone up a little, but not so much that it's obvious.

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[EarnOnVictor]

I'm surprised about your article, did you research at all before you penned this down? I doubt that. Economically, there is no way such magnitude of sanctions would be meted on an economy that it will not affect it. Many countries of the world cut ties with Russia, so it's affecting their Employment, Trade balance, GDP and many more. The economy of Russia is contrasting at a slow pace and economists around the world fear more over time.

According to IMF, Russia's export dropped by 15.98% in 2022 and expect imports to increase by 5.6% and export by 3% in 2023. This equation is simply not in favour of Russia.

Also, Russia's GDP dropped an average of 3.05% in 2022 when the best and worse scenarios are averaged, and the economy expects worsen in 2023. The graph below is from europa.eu, it should tell you something.



It shows that the GDP has broken down from its ranged level since 2018, which might be a sign of more stress to the economy over time.

However, unemployment has not been noticeable much in the country, thanks to government efforts and measures to counter it. But for how long?

[Smartprofit]

Russian banks, oligarchs, and technology imports have been the targets of West Europe and the US sanctions. But ordinary Russians' economic lives haven't being affected much since the war in Ukraine, when they were placed under extensive restrictions meant to decrease Moscow's war chest. Joblessness rate hasn't increases, no plunging money and no lines at banks. The arrangement at the general store is minimal changed, with worldwide brands still accessible or local substitutes replacing them. At some Moscow malls, crowds may have decreased, but not significantly. Local brands have replacing McDonald and Starbucks
A local once said, "Economically, nothing has changed". He still goes to work and shopping like before the war. Well, maybe the prices of some items have gone up a little, but not so much that it's obvious.
So far, Putin's economists have been able to minimize the effects of those sanctions hence, the rise of the Rouble.

In fact, the Russian ruble is currently depreciating against the US dollar. 

At the same time, the depreciation of the national currency is very significant.  Some economists predict the exchange rate - 1 US dollar = 100 Russian rubles as early as this 2023. 

Yes, there is a gradual replacement of foreign brands with Russian (Turkish, Chinese brands) in stores.  At the same time, a paradox arises - European brands are actively leaving Russia, while American brands remain.  At the same time, all McDonald's restaurants in Russia were closed.  Instead, they are now restaurants of the Vkusno i Tochka brand.  At the same time, food and household goods are becoming more expensive in Russia, and tariffs for utilities and electricity are rising. 

But the most important thing is not in the state of the economy.  The most important thing for people is the general mood of the nation for a progressive positive future. 

If there is no such attitude, then this is a disaster.

[Pierre 2]

I have Russian engineer friend currently living in Moscow. He is NOT pro-Putin or pro-war. I generally asked about how things are going there. He told me there are no visible issues with everyday life. People go to work and spend, just like before war. But he said that electronics are getting bit more uncommon, prices raised etc. He said that even if economy is damaged, a lot, I mean in long range, Putin's approval rate increased (he said he disliked it and voted different party etc). He said he feels like Putin will keep winning as economical effects are under control, for now at least.

[Synchronice]

Russian banks, oligarchs, and technology imports have been the targets of West Europe and the US sanctions. But ordinary Russians' economic lives haven't being affected much since the war in Ukraine, when they were placed under extensive restrictions meant to decrease Moscow's war chest. Joblessness rate hasn't increases, no plunging money and no lines at banks. The arrangement at the general store is minimal changed, with worldwide brands still accessible or local substitutes replacing them. At some Moscow malls, crowds may have decreased, but not significantly. Local brands have replacing McDonald and Starbucks
A local once said, "Economically, nothing has changed". He still goes to work and shopping like before the war. Well, maybe the prices of some items have gone up a little, but not so much that it's obvious.
So far, Putin's economists have been able to minimize the effects of those sanctions hence, the rise of the Rouble.

Is it false that Russians are leaving a country? Is it false that a lot of money is going every day from Russia to other countries?
By the way, do you only talk about Moscow or about the whole Russia? If Moscow gets affected, I don't think Putin will end up well. Think about what's happening outside of Moscow because all the resources from other cities/towns is always spent on Moscow.
Definitely no one wants to see people feeling and living bad but the aim of economic sanctions is to push Russians to change Putin but that's not gonna happen, I believe. But long-term, the situation will go worse for Russia, that's for sure. One year and two years don't radically change the fate of such a big country.

He said that even if economy is damaged, a lot, I mean in long range, Putin's approval rate increased (he said he disliked it and voted different party etc). He said he feels like Putin will keep winning as economical effects are under control, for now at least.

Does anyone really think that Russian elections are purely dependent on proportion of votes? I remember Putin briefly said that his government won't let other powers to come in government because it may be dangerous for Russia. I remember he said it when one journalist asked him a question about Navalny.
I hope that no one believes that Russian statistics regarding the popularity of Putin is true. Well, if you go out and your friends who were Anti-Putin turned into Pro-Putin, then that's a very sad news.

[stompix]

So far, Putin's economists have been able to minimize the effects of those sanctions hence, the rise of the Rouble.

When you end your story with a thing that can be checked by anyone with an internet connection and it's absolutely fake you might have to go back to the very first word and start the speech once more with the opposite view:



Must be that dedollarization everyone is talking about, with a dollar being worth half of their GDP, nobody affording even one cent unless they sell their kidneys on top of their house and cars and thus making it impossible to use the dollar. Smart plan!  Never thought of this! Must be that 5D chess strategy that took Kyiv in 3 days.

I'm surprised about your article, did you research at all before you penned this down? I doubt that.

Bruh, don't bring data to a propaganda topic, you might confuse the poor fellow! 
Oh and one thing, I don't doubt unemployment is down in Russia, with 300 000 dead and maimed for life and a further 400 000 kidnapped from the streets to serve in the military pretty obvious a ton of job openings are available right now!

[Lucius]

~snip~
Bruh, don't bring data to a propaganda topic, you might confuse the poor fellow! 
Oh and one thing, I don't doubt unemployment is down in Russia, with 300 000 dead and maimed for life and a further 400 000 kidnapped from the streets to serve in the military pretty obvious a ton of job openings are available right now!

You forgot about the prisons that were cleaned of tens of thousands of prisoners who chose 6 months of war to maybe get their freedom. Although most of them did not return, I read a few days ago that some of them survived and committed a new crime immediately after returning home, and were again sent to prison. Will the main orchestrator give them another chance?

You know what they say, statistics are important, and it doesn't matter how you reduced unemployment - 10 years ago my country had about 500 000 unemployed, last year we issued over 120 000 work permits to foreigners, and for the government that is a success. All these politicians are the same, only their methods differ.

[Argoo]

I have Russian engineer friend currently living in Moscow. He is NOT pro-Putin or pro-war. I generally asked about how things are going there. He told me there are no visible issues with everyday life. People go to work and spend, just like before war. But he said that electronics are getting bit more uncommon, prices raised etc. He said that even if economy is damaged, a lot, I mean in long range, Putin's approval rate increased (he said he disliked it and voted different party etc). He said he feels like Putin will keep winning as economical effects are under control, for now at least.

At all times, Moscow and St. Petersburg were supplied with everything necessary to the maximum, and the rest of the territory according to the residual principle. Therefore, the state of affairs in these two cities does not reflect an objective picture throughout Russia. In addition, Russia, of course, has a large margin of safety, which is now rapidly decreasing. Therefore, for the time being, the appearance of relative prosperity remains. The National Wealth Fund of Russia is catastrophically decreasing, the budget deficit has been growing rapidly in recent months, and the gold reserves are starting to run out. If Putin's life lasts another year and, accordingly, the war in Ukraine continues, all this will be clearly seen by the Russians by the end of this year.

[DrBeer]

Congratulations to the Russians on new improvements and digitalization, a deeper penetration of high technologies into your life! Now life will be much more convenient

The State Duma adopted in the second and third readings a law on changing the rules for notifying citizens about their appearance at events related to conscription for military service.

If the person liable for military service does not come to the military commissariat within 20 days after receiving the notification from the military commissar for a digital signature, other sanctions will be imposed: a restriction on driving and registering a vehicle, a restriction on opening an individual entrepreneur or obtaining the status of a self-employed person. In addition, they may apply to transactions with real estate, land plots, as well as to obtaining loans and credits.

https://sozd.duma.gov.ru/bill/361804-7

Now the "homeland of the Russians" will send the Russians to be slaughtered electronically, and if someone has not read the agenda, this is his problem. Russian citizen - go die for Putin's crazy complexes!

This is what I wrote about - the third wave of mobilization, which plans to recruit another 300,000 to 500,000 residents of Russia to continue the "meat assaults" in Ukraine ....

[Smartprofit]

In Russia, there is another trend - the introduction of a digital ruble (CBDC). 

The project was planned to be launched from April 1, 2023, but serious technical difficulties arose during its implementation.  However, I do not rule out that all these technical problems will eventually be resolved. 

Firstly, in the Russian Federation, the prime minister is the former head of the tax service, Mishustin.  Mishustin is a very systematic person who managed to organize electronic digital document management in the field of taxes and fees.  From a technical point of view, the tax system in Russia functions perfectly. 

Secondly, specialists from China can be involved in the creation of the digital ruble. 

If a digital ruble is created in Russia, it will make it possible to force people to do the “right” actions, under the threat of a complete ban on the use of their money.  Blacklisted people will not be able to buy the goods, works and services they need. 

At present, this looks like a utopia, but in the future it is possible (and not only in Russia).

[dansus021]

I have Russian engineer friend currently living in Moscow. He is NOT pro-Putin or pro-war. I generally asked about how things are going there. He told me there are no visible issues with everyday life. People go to work and spend, just like before war. But he said that electronics are getting bit more uncommon, prices raised etc. He said that even if economy is damaged, a lot, I mean in long range, Putin's approval rate increased (he said he disliked it and voted different party etc). He said he feels like Putin will keep winning as economical effects are under control, for now at least.

Yes I watched a couple of Youtube channels that discussed before and after war. Most of the Russia YouTubers says it is just like normal life the price is normal although some brand is missing from the country and some if just Re-Brand their name.

and you true about electronics the price is getting expensive like heater or etc.

1 Year ago I watched another youtube video that talk about "Putin is smart, our leaders are dumb": Trump blasts US response to Ukraine crisis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLJvCuWuRXk

[be.open]

I live in Russia, in a province quite far from Moscow. I can't say that in economic terms nothing has changed over the year - some things got better, some things got worse. In general, people here live an ordinary normal life.

Probably the most significant change after the imposition of sanctions - we had to change the dry food for the cat. Previously, the cat ate Royal Canin food, at some point this food began to rise sharply in price and I had to switch to dry food from a local manufacturer, which is better in composition and cheaper in price. I myself also faced sanctions restrictions when I recently wanted to buy summer sneakers, it turned out that Adidas left Russia and I had to buy local brand sneakers. I can’t say that it upset me a lot, the cat doesn’t complain either.

[Fiatless]

Russian banks, oligarchs, and technology imports have been the targets of West Europe and the US sanctions. But ordinary Russians' economic lives haven't being affected much since the war in Ukraine, when they were placed under extensive restrictions meant to decrease Moscow's war chest. Joblessness rate hasn't increases, no plunging money and no lines at banks. The arrangement at the general store is minimal changed, with worldwide brands still accessible or local substitutes replacing them. At some Moscow malls, crowds may have decreased, but not significantly. Local brands have replacing McDonald and Starbucks
A local once said, "Economically, nothing has changed". He still goes to work and shopping like before the war. Well, maybe the prices of some items have gone up a little, but not so much that it's obvious.

I will not totally agree that the war did not affect Russians negatively. But I will believe that this invasion have both affected the economy of Russia positively and negatively. Russians are now buying locally made products which is a good thing to the Russian economy. Local industries now have less competition from foreign product which will make them make profit and increase employment opportunities. Russians have been forced to negotiate trade using the Russian Ruble which help to reduce their overreliance on the US dollars. The negative implication is that there are lesser foreign direct investment, limited product substitute, unemployment and reduced transfer of technology.

But I will also accept that the US and NATO underestimated the Russian economy. They thought their multiple sanctions will cripple the invader's economy, but they were surprise that their predictions failed. It is clear that Russia have prepared for this war and the resultant sanctions. The economy seems to be sanction proof.           

[Findingnemo]

Russian banks, oligarchs, and technology imports have been the targets of West Europe and the US sanctions. But ordinary Russians' economic lives haven't being affected much since the war in Ukraine, when they were placed under extensive restrictions meant to decrease Moscow's war chest. Joblessness rate hasn't increases, no plunging money and no lines at banks. The arrangement at the general store is minimal changed, with worldwide brands still accessible or local substitutes replacing them. At some Moscow malls, crowds may have decreased, but not significantly. Local brands have replacing McDonald and Starbucks
A local once said, "Economically, nothing has changed". He still goes to work and shopping like before the war. Well, maybe the prices of some items have gone up a little, but not so much that it's obvious.

Their overall growth decreased based on the stats so you may not witnessing in your locality but Russia is one of the biggest land based nation so you can assist the national situation from your city.

Also Russia has some grip on their hands so managed to do some international trades even though after the sanction along with western countries depends on the oil of Russia so for now it's not a great hit in their economy but every country is looking for alternatives of oil and gas which will bring new dimension in the upcoming years.

[buwaytress]

I live in Russia, in a province quite far from Moscow. I can't say that in economic terms nothing has changed over the year - some things got better, some things got worse. In general, people here live an ordinary normal life.

Probably the most significant change after the imposition of sanctions - we had to change the dry food for the cat. Previously, the cat ate Royal Canin food, at some point this food began to rise sharply in price and I had to switch to dry food from a local manufacturer, which is better in composition and cheaper in price. I myself also faced sanctions restrictions when I recently wanted to buy summer sneakers, it turned out that Adidas left Russia and I had to buy local brand sneakers. I can’t say that it upset me a lot, the cat doesn’t complain either.

Do you know if people outside are less open to doing business with you? I know I worked with several freelancers before who had to close their accounts on several platforms. Crypto-accepting people are probably less affected, they still have the means to transact, but I'm understanding from anecdotal evidence that clients are less willing to work with them (without actually saying it's because they're Russian).

If there is an effect, there is an impact on revenue coming from outside.

[cabron]

I live in Russia, in a province quite far from Moscow. I can't say that in economic terms nothing has changed over the year - some things got better, some things got worse. In general, people here live an ordinary normal life.

Probably the most significant change after the imposition of sanctions - we had to change the dry food for the cat. Previously, the cat ate Royal Canin food, at some point this food began to rise sharply in price and I had to switch to dry food from a local manufacturer, which is better in composition and cheaper in price. I myself also faced sanctions restrictions when I recently wanted to buy summer sneakers, it turned out that Adidas left Russia and I had to buy local brand sneakers. I can’t say that it upset me a lot, the cat doesn’t complain either.

Do you know if people outside are less open to doing business with you? I know I worked with several freelancers before who had to close their accounts on several platforms. Crypto-accepting people are probably less affected, they still have the means to transact, but I'm understanding from anecdotal evidence that clients are less willing to work with them (without actually saying it's because they're Russian).

If there is an effect, there is an impact on revenue coming from outside.

That's what they expect like Russia's economy will crumble and Russians to experience hardships after sanctions. They are happy to see people go hungry like in other countries that were sanctioned before.

But there must be an effect to the sanctions which is most likely the prices of necessities as well except maybe the gas. And you can consider it an effect also that Putin is more determined to take a chunk of Ukraine.

[DrBeer]

In Russia, there is another trend - the introduction of a digital ruble (CBDC). 

The project was planned to be launched from April 1, 2023, but serious technical difficulties arose during its implementation.  However, I do not rule out that all these technical problems will eventually be resolved. 

Firstly, in the Russian Federation, the prime minister is the former head of the tax service, Mishustin.  Mishustin is a very systematic person who managed to organize electronic digital document management in the field of taxes and fees.  From a technical point of view, the tax system in Russia functions perfectly. 

Secondly, specialists from China can be involved in the creation of the digital ruble. 

If a digital ruble is created in Russia, it will make it possible to force people to do the “right” actions, under the threat of a complete ban on the use of their money.  Blacklisted people will not be able to buy the goods, works and services they need. 

At present, this looks like a utopia, but in the future it is possible (and not only in Russia).

When many began to "clap their hands" about "the CBDC will come, the dollar will die" and "cryptocurrency wins", I warned - CBDC is an instrument of POWER and TOTAL control. The very concept of CBDC is to
1. Minimize, or reduce to 0, any uncontrolled movement of funds from the population
2. implement mechanisms for full CONTROL of funds.
What is this about?
1. Any transaction in the CBDC network will be controlled, and the entire history of your transactions can be easily traced. Moreover, in such a network it is extremely easy to identify LINKS between "financial partners".
2. Any of your cents will be blocked as soon as you become a "suspicious person". It's just an account and there is money on it, but you can't pay anything with it. People will no longer own their money.

But someone sees a fabulous dream "there will be no hegemony of the dollar", not realizing that when such a solution is launched in the country where the "rejoicing" person lives, he will not have any money at some point

And for Russia - yes, it is also the raising of the "financial iron curtain" from within the country, so that no one can withdraw a penny anywhere, bypassing state control. And fleeing a country without money is still a "pleasure"

[darkangel11]

I live in Russia, in a province quite far from Moscow. I can't say that in economic terms nothing has changed over the year - some things got better, some things got worse. In general, people here live an ordinary normal life.

Probably the most significant change after the imposition of sanctions - we had to change the dry food for the cat. Previously, the cat ate Royal Canin food, at some point this food began to rise sharply in price and I had to switch to dry food from a local manufacturer, which is better in composition and cheaper in price. I myself also faced sanctions restrictions when I recently wanted to buy summer sneakers, it turned out that Adidas left Russia and I had to buy local brand sneakers. I can’t say that it upset me a lot, the cat doesn’t complain either.

How do you feel about recruiters walking around town handing out conscription notes? Not long ago there was an article that they're planning to send summons through email and mobile phones and if you ignore them you'll get your driving license suspended and won't be able to get a loan.
On one hand Russians are doing fine because they're alive, have a place to live, food in stores, Internet, but on the other a lot of products disappeared from stores, they don't have enough paper to print labels and car parts for EU and US made cars. Russians seem to be fine because they used to drive Ladas and will probably drive them 10 years from now, but all is not as good as they're painting it.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

No war has ever left a country the same, or better than it meet it, except it's not a war.
And to consider the sanctions from various parts of the world, there is no way you tell me that Russia will remain the same, or better than it was before, I did some research before deciding to comment here, but I don't want to comment based on my research, as that would mean me giving statistics other users already gave here, I want my comment to be casual..

The war have affect Russia negatively on several parts, though it could be possible that some might not feel it, most especially those that are well to do, but that you do not feel something does not mean it's not there, in as much as employment seems not to be a problem, there are still those who have lost their jobs, lost loved ones, lost valuable assets and investment, lost business connections with foreign partners etc, for this kind of people, will you stand in front of them and tell them that Russia is still the same as it was before the war began? Of course not.

[be.open]

Do you know if people outside are less open to doing business with you? I know I worked with several freelancers before who had to close their accounts on several platforms. Crypto-accepting people are probably less affected, they still have the means to transact, but I'm understanding from anecdotal evidence that clients are less willing to work with them (without actually saying it's because they're Russian).

If there is an effect, there is an impact on revenue coming from outside.

A familiar lady made beautiful handmade dolls, which were willingly bought by collectors from France, it seems that now she has stopped doing this. Now she is engaged in interior design, she is doing well.

Several familiar programmers working remotely for Western companies were forced to relocate with their families after the start of a special operation in Ukraine - to Georgia, Turkey, Italy and Canada. Hope they are doing well too.

Freelancers and small businesses, of course, were hit harder than others by the sanctions, just as a year earlier they also suffered from the lockdown and the pandemic. I think this is normal, even without sanctions and a pandemic, they usually suffer the most, this is the way.

How do you feel about recruiters walking around town handing out conscription notes? Not long ago there was an article that they're planning to send summons through email and mobile phones and if you ignore them you'll get your driving license suspended and won't be able to get a loan.
On one hand Russians are doing fine because they're alive, have a place to live, food in stores, Internet, but on the other a lot of products disappeared from stores, they don't have enough paper to print labels and car parts for EU and US made cars. Russians seem to be fine because they used to drive Ladas and will probably drive them 10 years from now, but all is not as good as they're painting it.

1. I don't care, I haven't seen any of them. I heard something similar happened last fall in big cities, in my city there was nothing like that. Summons to the military commissariat were mainly sent through the personnel departments of large enterprises.
2. Nothing is missing, there is no shortage of goods in any direction. It’s just that some goods have become more expensive and you have to wait a bit, but in general, the system of parallel imports works well, through Turkey or the UAE.