Today’s Russia is not a clone of the Soviet Union, nor does it chase that past. It carries faint traces of iconography, yet it feels more like a fossil, a remnant rather than a living model. In the busiest streets of major cities, luxury cars rumble as drivers flaunt status in front of onlookers. In contrast, smaller towns reveal a very different reality where opportunities are scarce. Some cars from the Soviet era keep rolling, showing signs of maintenance gaps but a stubborn persistence on the roads.
News agencies such as Tass have highlighted a widening gap between Russia’s wealthiest and the rest. Wealth among the top businessmen has surged, with gains estimated at billions since the start of the year. Analysts note changes in purchasing power that may dip below levels seen in 2012. In a report cited by the industry leader Lukoil, wealth rose by billions, with assets reaching tens of billions for notable figures, while another major gas company led gains for its top executives. These shifts reflect the economy’s uneven terrain, where a handful of magnates accumulate vast fortunes even as the broader economy faces pressure.
There is a stark contrast between the fortunes of a small group and the majority. Oligarchs and a few ultra-rich households command a large share of national wealth, while a significant portion of the population remains in poverty. People age and downsize possessions, selling personal items such as flowers or memorabilia from the Soviet era. Many still hold onto apartments or rooms inherited from the past, a phenomenon tied to the ubiquity of urban communal housing where rent is minimal or nonexistent. Persistent low pensions, often around a few hundred euros monthly, mean many depend on family support for daily survival. This economic reality shapes daily life across generations and regions, influencing decisions and opportunities for younger families.
Observations of Russia’s wealth distribution reveal that a small elite participates in a global lifestyle, including substantial yacht ownership and expensive property. Experts estimate a significant share of ultra-long yachts belong to Russian billionaires, with average yacht prices hovering in the millions of euros. By contrast, the national minimum wage sits at a fraction of that level, underscoring a wide gulf between the richest and the rest. In many regions such as the southern republics, wages fall well below what is seen in the capital, highlighting regional disparities within the country.
Inequality between regions
Regional differences are pronounced. The wealthiest areas tend to be the oil-rich hubs in and around the Arctic, while parts of the Caucasus and Siberia experience the most acute hardships. Rural zones sometimes lack reliable access to running water and plumbing, a challenge that intensifies during winter when temperatures drop to extreme lows. Yet communities find ways to cope, with alternatives to water supply emerging in difficult conditions.
Public transport quality mirrors regional wealth. In major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, connections are strong, but in many smaller towns there is little to no public transport. Some communities lack even basic minibuses, leaving taxis or personal vehicles as the only practical option. When buses are available, schedules can be inconsistent and vehicles are aging, with some tracing back to the Soviet era. The transportation gap shapes mobility, access to services, and economic participation beyond the big city borders.
Across the country, people voice concerns about travel and daily life. A Muscovite named Masha notes the anxiety about limited opportunities to travel to Europe and considers Turkey a possible alternative for leisure. In other regions, the fear is more immediate: affording food and essential expenses becomes a daily burden. In terms of military service, regional patterns show variations in conscription rates, with some areas contributing larger shares of troops to national defense or international commitments. The scale of the population and its geographic distribution influence who serves and where, underscoring the uneven social fabric that characterizes much of the country.