Being Russia and Russian now

[EFS]

A lot of Russians and Ukrainians live in Türkiye now. In some areas they outnumber Turkish people. Especially the rich Russians came here and live a comfortable life. When I talk to my friends in Russia, they say that life there isn't too bad either. The public wasn't affected much by the sanctions. Politically there isn't much difference either. Just as Russia has been governed for years, so is Türkiye, by the same one man. Only those who come here from a democratic country can understand the negative effects of this. For the Russians this isn't a problem.

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[Alpha Marine]

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.           

Yea, NATO underestimated the Russian economy but the sanctions are not meant to cripple their economy immediately. It's a slow process. The problem I have with sanctions is that they are not on Putin, they affect the whole economy and the common man. Sanction does nothing to Putin directly, he's still protected, and he is still powerful even if his country suffers in the long run. The Russian Ruble has been losing value but that doesn't affect him. Inflation is increasing in the country, but that doesn't affect him, soldiers and civilians and dying but that doesn't affect him.

As for the ruble, I doubt foreign traders will accept it as a means of payment. I mean, what are they to do with it? It will be difficult for them to exchange it. That's a very unpopular currency right now. I don't think even Chinese traders will eagerly accept it. That is why Russia is trading with the yuan, and trading with the yuan adds no significant progress to their economy, it's just swapping one foreign currency for another. So instead of strengthening the dollar, they are strengthening the yuan.

[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"

[Argoo]

Yea, NATO underestimated the Russian economy but the sanctions are not meant to cripple their economy immediately. It's a slow process. The problem I have with sanctions is that they are not on Putin, they affect the whole economy and the common man. Sanction does nothing to Putin directly, he's still protected, and he is still powerful even if his country suffers in the long run. The Russian Ruble has been losing value but that doesn't affect him. Inflation is increasing in the country, but that doesn't affect him, soldiers and civilians and dying but that doesn't affect him.

International sanctions are imposed not only against the initiators of the aggressive war in Ukraine, but also against the country as a whole, its military-industrial complex, economy, legal entities and all citizens in general, in order to make them realize the criminal nature of the seizure of foreign territories in the 21st century in the center of Europe and encourage concrete action to end it. Sanctions are designed to reduce the financing of the war, and therefore Putin alone cannot do here. It is absolutely logical that every Russian will eventually feel the negative consequences of the attack on Ukraine, and not only those living today, but also their descendants, who will have to pay reparations to Ukraine for the material and moral damage caused for a long time to come. The sanctions are only gaining momentum, so the worst time for the Russians is ahead and they need to get used to it.

It will be necessary to pay for the pleasure of killing, torturing, robbing and raping in Ukraine, to pay to all Russians, without exception, who could not prevent and then stop this war. Therefore, there are no innocent Russians in Russia, all murderers or accomplices of murderers. Everyone contributes to this ongoing war. The killer is not only the one who recently cut off the head of a captive Ukrainian who was defending his country from the invasion of killer orcs, but also those who, through their inaction, contributed to this.

[Smartprofit]

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.

In my opinion, the electronic conscription system works a little differently.  

Previously, men could evade receiving a summons for military service (for example, receiving a summons for partial mobilization).  As long as they did not sign for the receipt of the summons and did not appear at the military registration and enlistment office, they did not face criminal liability.  Now the situation has changed dramatically.  The mobilization summons will be considered handed over to the man from the moment the corresponding entry appears in the electronic register of summons (regardless of whether the person liable for military service knows about this fact or not).  

In principle, if mobilization is announced, such subpoena entries in the digital subpoena register could be made automatically in respect of 25 million Russian men.  As a result, they will be automatically banned from traveling abroad and their driver's license will be revoked.  Even if men do not voluntarily come to the military registration and enlistment offices, mass raids on the streets of villages and cities can be organized with the help of the police.  All men caught in this way will be required to go to the front under threat of criminal prosecution.  

It is clear that this can be regarded as a fantasy (for example, criminal liability for refusing to mobilize has not yet been introduced by law), but I have such an opinion as a result of analyzing the text of the bill and reading the comments of lawyers on military law.

At present, the possibility of declaring mobilization (especially full mobilization) in Russia is denied.  The new system of electronic agendas is declared as an improvement in the military registration system.

[Vishnu.Reang]

A lot of Russians and Ukrainians live in Turkkey now. In some areas they outnumber Turkish people. Especially the rich Russians came here and live a comfortable life. When I talk to my friends in Russia, they say that life there isn't too bad either. The public wasn't affected much by the sanctions. Politically there isn't much difference either. Just as Russia has been governed for years, so is Türkiye, by the same one man. Only those who come here from a democratic country can understand the negative effects of this. For the Russians this isn't a problem.

Absolutely right lakh of people moving Turkey leaving their own motherland Russia after announcement from their President Putin. He said that in the requirement ordinary people must have to to go for war after then thousand of people was leaving their country everyday. There is an information in one year 30 Lakh Russian people is settled down in Turkey. But Turkey government is not giving clear details how much Russian people is settled. Turkey is a member of NATO but for gas Turkey is totally depend upon Russia that's the reason Turkey is trying to stay away from this war. Russian people give much preferences to Turkey because  Turkey is a member of NATO that's why they can stay away from Putin's aggression.

[davis196]

The western sanctions will have a slow and graduate impact over the Russian economy. The negative impact will probably be higher in the upcoming years. Russia still has currency reserves, so the budget deficit can be covered. I wonder what will happen, after Russia consumes all the currency reserves and the budget deficit increases? Where will the Russian government find money to cover the budget deficit? Increasing taxes? Seeking a foreign loan from China, India or Saudi Arabia? Cutting government costs(which is close to impossible right now)?
Anyway, the life of the "average Ivan" in Russia won't change that much in 2023.

[Vishnu.Reang]

As for the ruble, I doubt foreign traders will accept it as a means of payment. I mean, what are they to do with it? It will be difficult for them to exchange it. That's a very unpopular currency right now. I don't think even Chinese traders will eagerly accept it. That is why Russia is trading with the yuan, and trading with the yuan adds no significant progress to their economy, it's just swapping one foreign currency for another. So instead of strengthening the dollar, they are strengthening the yuan.

Unconditional surrender is on the way out for Ukraine. Hitler's Germany also refused to admit defeat until Hitler killed himself, then Keitel singed unconditional surrender. Biden administration is urging Zelenskyy regime to start its last and most likely suicidal offensive because current situation is unsustainable. It would be difficult to convince republican congress to wasting hundreds of billons on this lost of war. Mr Zelenskyy in January introduced even harsher punishment for desertion and disobedience. A disabled person was drafted in western Ukraine and pronounced fit for service despite having no hands. Another died on the front lines within a month of mobilization after 10 days of training, according to his relatives. Zelenskyy is officially catching and forced conscripting even disabled. When such people are in the trenches, it means that the front collapse at any moment.

[be.open]

The western sanctions will have a slow and graduate impact over the Russian economy. The negative impact will probably be higher in the upcoming years. Russia still has currency reserves, so the budget deficit can be covered. I wonder what will happen, after Russia consumes all the currency reserves and the budget deficit increases? Where will the Russian government find money to cover the budget deficit? Increasing taxes? Seeking a foreign loan from China, India or Saudi Arabia? Cutting government costs(which is close to impossible right now)?
Anyway, the life of the "average Ivan" in Russia won't change that much in 2023.

A year ago, Biden told everyone that the Russian economy had already been torn to shreds twice. Then the rhetoric changed that sanctions are working very slowly and the most terrible consequences will be sometime in the future. And then gradually comes the epiphany that right now the annual inflation in Russia is 3.5%, which is less than in the US and much less than in Europe. But you wait and believe, sometime in the future, the sanctions will definitely work as they should.

Western sanctions remind me of the prohibitions of our RosKomNadzor, according to which this forum is not accessible from Russia. I am from Russia and I am here.

[o48o]

If anything you said would be true, then i assume that local Russians are ok with sanctions. When sanctions started ton of people were worried that it would hurt regular people in russia that haven't done anything. But i can't say if you are trolling or not. I guess west was now smart and thought about it in advance. Or how are trolls thinking now?

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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).

Ruble being CBDC or in any other form wouldn't solve any of their issues unless lack of surveillance is one of them. And funny that you used word utopia instead of dystopia. Can you elaborate on this?

[be.open]

If anything you said would be true, then i assume that local Russians are ok with sanctions. When sanctions started ton of people were worried that it would hurt regular people in russia that haven't done anything. But i can't say if you are trolling or not. I guess west was now smart and thought about it in advance. Or how are trolls thinking now?

Personally, I am not so much against sanctions, but most resolutely for them. For Russia, Western sanctions are a huge benefit. With the voluntary withdrawal of Western companies, so many free niches have appeared on the market that Russia is now experiencing a real entrepreneurial boom with the active support of the state with grants and subsidies. This is reminiscent of the situation in China, when, after the departure of Facebook, the WeChat super app appeared there. Think about it at your leisure.

[o48o]

-cut-
after the departure of Facebook, the WeChat super app appeared there. Think about it at your leisure.
-cut-

Lol, It figures. I guess surveillance tools are somehow better when they are from totalitarian dictatorship thought polices that are jailing/executing the opposition and not by private companies for advertising purposes. I heard that Putin has a cancer. Let's hope for the best. Thoughs and prayers.

[Smack That Ace]

The western sanctions will have a slow and graduate impact over the Russian economy. The negative impact will probably be higher in the upcoming years. Russia still has currency reserves, so the budget deficit can be covered. I wonder what will happen, after Russia consumes all the currency reserves and the budget deficit increases? Where will the Russian government find money to cover the budget deficit? Increasing taxes? Seeking a foreign loan from China, India or Saudi Arabia? Cutting government costs(which is close to impossible right now)?
Anyway, the life of the "average Ivan" in Russia won't change that much in 2023.

The currency reserves won't be enough to cover it all if they don't have any source of income for more than a punishing year. In addition to providing money to solve life problems for people in wartime, they also have to spend a lot on defense and the army because war costs them a lot of weapons. Failure to replenish the arsenal in time would endanger national security. Russia has excellent relations with China and India, so I don't think they will run out of money and run a budget deficit. Up to now, EU sanctions have had little effect on Russia. Meanwhile, I will be more worried for the people of the EU if the war does not end before this winter because so far for the energy issue, they have not found a better solution than Russia.

[zasad@]

The Russian economy has been buried many times already, but Russia is a God-saved country. Prices for electronics are now traditional and do not drastically differ from world prices, if you do not look at expensive brands. The entire budget segment is inexpensive. Cars are much more expensive, but all misfortunes come to an end someday. Rich people can live in any country, but they will lose their profitable business in Russia, and it is difficult to make money in a new country. Poor people have long returned, because it has become expensive to live in the same Turkey.

[Smartprofit]

If anything you said would be true, then i assume that local Russians are ok with sanctions. When sanctions started ton of people were worried that it would hurt regular people in russia that haven't done anything. But i can't say if you are trolling or not. I guess west was now smart and thought about it in advance. Or how are trolls thinking now?

-cut-
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).

Ruble being CBDC or in any other form wouldn't solve any of their issues unless lack of surveillance is one of them. And funny that you used word utopia instead of dystopia. Can you elaborate on this?

In fact, for me, utopia, dystopia and real life are synonymous. 

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, I have had the feeling that I was in some kind of terrible dream - a nightmare.  And you can't wake up....

I agree with you that there is a difference between the terms utopia and dystopia.  The term utopia is positive, and dystopia is negative.  Therefore, the introduction of CBDC is, of course, a dystopia (building a digital concentration camp). 

The very idea of ​​programmable centralized digital money is not an absolute evil.  I admit the idea that CBDCs can become an effective financial tool, but only in a situation where managers have clear and understandable strategic goals (as well as a positive picture of the future).  And if this is not the case, then the introduction of CBDC is another step towards building a digital concentration camp. 

Why is it necessary to introduce CBDC?  To establish total control and maintain the power of the ruling elite. 

Unfortunately, issues of maintaining power, as a rule, always take precedence over issues of economic development and improving the well-being of the people.

[jacafbiz]

I think Russia has done her assignment before embarking on this war, the funny thing about this sanction is that there are a lot of loopholes in it like allowing some countries to still buy Russian oil which makes Russia find a way around it. I am not saying what Russia did is right but I just feel the loser here is Ukraine, they allowed America to use them as a pawn, anyone with basic commonsense will know this is the hand of Esau and Voice of Jacob. I don't see how they come out of this useless war a winner, it is going to take years for them to recover, if at all. I also feel what hinders the success of these sanctions is the awakening of China and India, both are now big markets and don't fear or need to toe the line of America again but to protect their interest

[darkangel11]

In my opinion, the electronic conscription system works a little differently.  

Previously, men could evade receiving a summons for military service (for example, receiving a summons for partial mobilization).  As long as they did not sign for the receipt of the summons and did not appear at the military registration and enlistment office, they did not face criminal liability.  Now the situation has changed dramatically.  The mobilization summons will be considered handed over to the man from the moment the corresponding entry appears in the electronic register of summons (regardless of whether the person liable for military service knows about this fact or not).  

In principle, if mobilization is announced, such subpoena entries in the digital subpoena register could be made automatically in respect of 25 million Russian men.  As a result, they will be automatically banned from traveling abroad and their driver's license will be revoked.  Even if men do not voluntarily come to the military registration and enlistment offices, mass raids on the streets of villages and cities can be organized with the help of the police.  All men caught in this way will be required to go to the front under threat of criminal prosecution.  

It is clear that this can be regarded as a fantasy (for example, criminal liability for refusing to mobilize has not yet been introduced by law), but I have such an opinion as a result of analyzing the text of the bill and reading the comments of lawyers on military law.

At present, the possibility of declaring mobilization (especially full mobilization) in Russia is denied.  The new system of electronic agendas is declared as an improvement in the military registration system.

That's what I was asking about because it seems they're tightening the system and if you're a young male still working in Russia you're asking for them to at least try to get you. It's possible to hide if you have enough money, but why would you stay and hide from the military and the police if you can leave?
Are you sure that "criminal liability for refusing to mobilize has not yet been introduced by law"?

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/06/russian-recruits-jailed-for-3-years-for-refusing-to-fight-in-ukraine-a80730

"Russia’s military courts have issued convictions in more than half of the 708 criminal cases opened against conscripts, according to the independent Mediazona news website.
Russian lawmakers passed sweeping legislation introducing jail terms of up to 15 years for acts including desertion and conscientious objection days ahead of Putin’s announcement of a “partial” mobilization in September."

[Smartprofit]

In my opinion, the electronic conscription system works a little differently.  

Previously, men could evade receiving a summons for military service (for example, receiving a summons for partial mobilization).  As long as they did not sign for the receipt of the summons and did not appear at the military registration and enlistment office, they did not face criminal liability.  Now the situation has changed dramatically.  The mobilization summons will be considered handed over to the man from the moment the corresponding entry appears in the electronic register of summons (regardless of whether the person liable for military service knows about this fact or not).  

In principle, if mobilization is announced, such subpoena entries in the digital subpoena register could be made automatically in respect of 25 million Russian men.  As a result, they will be automatically banned from traveling abroad and their driver's license will be revoked.  Even if men do not voluntarily come to the military registration and enlistment offices, mass raids on the streets of villages and cities can be organized with the help of the police.  All men caught in this way will be required to go to the front under threat of criminal prosecution.  

It is clear that this can be regarded as a fantasy (for example, criminal liability for refusing to mobilize has not yet been introduced by law), but I have such an opinion as a result of analyzing the text of the bill and reading the comments of lawyers on military law.

At present, the possibility of declaring mobilization (especially full mobilization) in Russia is denied.  The new system of electronic agendas is declared as an improvement in the military registration system.

That's what I was asking about because it seems they're tightening the system and if you're a young male still working in Russia you're asking for them to at least try to get you. It's possible to hide if you have enough money, but why would you stay and hide from the military and the police if you can leave?
Are you sure that "criminal liability for refusing to mobilize has not yet been introduced by law"?

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/06/russian-recruits-jailed-for-3-years-for-refusing-to-fight-in-ukraine-a80730

"Russia’s military courts have issued convictions in more than half of the 708 criminal cases opened against conscripts, according to the independent Mediazona news website.
Russian lawmakers passed sweeping legislation introducing jail terms of up to 15 years for acts including desertion and conscientious objection days ahead of Putin’s announcement of a “partial” mobilization in September."

There are some legal nuances here. 

How did the call-up system for partial mobilization function?  Until the man visited the draft board and was not called up for military service, he was not subject to criminal liability.  That is, a summons could be handed to a man and he could sign it with his own hand, but this did not threaten him with criminal liability if he did not appear at the military registration and enlistment office on this summons. 

However, if he did come, he was called up for military service, and from that moment on, any attempt to return home or refusal to obey the order was punished by long prison terms.  There used to be such a system. 

When films are made about our time and books are written, people will understand how small the distance between life and death is.

[inthelongrun]

I watched a vlogger before, she was anti-war and anti-Putin but she explained in her videos that there are no major changes to the local citizens. She also proved it while going to the market, shopping mall, and streets. Prices are the same although some Western brands are limited there are some of them that are still available in their malls. Their basic needs are mostly unaffected according to her.

Russia is a giant country with only over a hundred million population. Its resources are overflowing especially the basic needs and this is probably the reason why its local population is not really that affected. They still have access to China and Indian markets when it comes to cheap and basic stuff. Those Western brands in the malls like Adidas, Puma, etc. as what I've seen in the videos are maybe local-made? Or maybe they came from China legally or smuggled as these 2 nations remained strong partners.

[DrBeer]

The Russian economy has been buried many times already, but Russia is a God-saved country. Prices for electronics are now traditional and do not drastically differ from world prices, if you do not look at expensive brands. The entire budget segment is inexpensive. Cars are much more expensive, but all misfortunes come to an end someday. Rich people can live in any country, but they will lose their profitable business in Russia, and it is difficult to make money in a new country. Poor people have long returned, because it has become expensive to live in the same Turkey.

About the "power of the Russian economy" - this is a continuation of a series of nonsense like "the second army of the world" ))
Let's take McDonald's as an example. A simple chain of eateries that has been operating all over the world for many decades. Delicious or not tasty - a matter of taste. But you definitely won't get sick. And now we are looking at what of a very profitable business, did Russia put its hand to it? For starters, the network was simply stolen. Yes, the "justification" is very "reasoned" - we took their buildings and equipment because they left here, and we will confiscate it. Anyway. Let's see what happens next. More precisely, we take statistics.
In 2021, McDonald's showed a net profit of 2 billion rubles.
In 2022, Vkusno i Tochka: Net loss reached 11.3 billion rubles.
In my opinion, a good indicator - we got a READY, WORKING, PROFIT-generating business, and in a year it was brought to a classic Russian state

Or, for example, "auto giant" - "Moskvich"! Proudly declared. that due to the termination of the supply of components, Russia has reduced the production of passenger cars by 90%. But, we are Russia, a powerful economy, and we will revive the Moskvich Trademark. Say it sounds powerful? Revive the Soviet production, degraded at birth Less than a year later, they heroically revived the production of a real Russian car ... China sends its Chinese cars, and powerful Russia, having received permission from China, got the right to glue its nameplates on the hoods of Chinese cars, and call them .. MOSKVICH