There’s a discernible “enemy-at-the-gate” feeling among ordinary people on the streets of Russia. Their sons are being sent off to fight – and some have died.
Meanwhile, the cross-border raids from Ukraine on Russia’s territory and drone attacks on Moscow suburbs during the past few months have bolstered the Kremlin’s argument that Russia is fighting to defend itself.
Civil society is responding. The volunteer effort to support “our guys” is growing. To be patriotic, for many ordinary Russian citizens, is to “do your bit” to support the war effort.
