In the center of Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Siberian republic of Buryatia, a towering Lenin statue keeps watch over the square. The monument now bears a large Russian flag, and the letter “V” appears on public buildings as a controversial symbol linked to the Kremlin’s messaging. Nearby, a site marks where a protest against Russian actions in Ukraine took place on August 29. A banner reading “No to war” was raised by Sergey Moloyev. This region has become a focal point in debates over Russian intervention in Ukraine, with public spaces displaying pro-Russian symbols and election posters inviting Buryats to participate in the governorship elections scheduled for September 11.
Alexandra Garmazhepova, the association president, advocates for a free Buryatia and highlights popular sentiment in the republic following recent casualties of war. She notes that people understand the high personal cost of the conflict: many families know someone who died in Ukraine. Official figures indicate that hundreds of Buryatians have died in the conflict, and residents often ask why soldiers from their region sacrificed their lives. María Vyshukova, a military analyst for the same organization, explains that not all the fallen were natives of Buryatia; many troops came from other areas, while locals are still seeking clarity about the losses.
In response to the occupation of Ukrainian territories, Western sanctions targeted Russia. In turn, Moscow looks to Beijing to compensate for the loss of imports from the United States and the European Union. Opinions in Buryatia and across Siberia diverge on China’s role. Some residents feel wary about Beijing, suspecting that appearances can be deceiving. Timor, among others, voices concern that China might harbor undisclosed plans, even if outwardly it seems friendly. Others see potential strategic benefits for Russia in closer ties with China, noting past issues such as illegal timber harvesting in Siberia that have shaped local perceptions.
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Beyond geopolitics, residents face domestic worries. Altana speaks of the risk to their native language and the broader issue of cultural preservation, expressing pride and concern about the Buryat language’s survival. Svetlana highlights infrastructure gaps, including schooling and roads, as pressing daily challenges. With these concerns in mind, people in Buryatia prepare to vote in the governor elections, though some locals express apathy. Timor voices a common sentiment: voting may feel futile if decisions are perceived as predetermined.
In the current political landscape, the incumbent governor of Russia, Alexey Tsydenov, remains a dominant figure. He secured a sweeping victory in 2017, defeating Batodalai Bagdayev and Serguei Dorosh by wide margins. While the context today differs, experts suggest election outcomes may still reflect strong regional influence and Kremlin oversight, with the possibility of tension between genuine will and political pressure. Commentators like Kamil Galeev caution that regional governance can influence results, and fear may play a role in how people respond. Tsydenov his challengers include Semyon Matkheyev, Sergey Dorosh, and Viktor Malyshenko.
Buryatia is one of Russia’s thirty districts that participate in regional and federal election processes. Some regions elect governors, while others choose members of regional legislatures or municipal administrations. The election landscape blends local concerns with national dynamics, shaping how residents engage with the vote and what outcomes may mean for everyday life in this remote corner of Siberia. [citation: attribution]