In Russia, the covid-19 outbreak drew limited concern from the public and authorities, who tolerated lax measures that often went unchecked. A notable exception involved the presidency and its inner circle, which implemented very specific requirements from the outset. For instance, journalists attending annual press conferences faced a triple negative PCR requirement, and disinfectant tunnels were used at the entrance. During foreign visits, leaders could be observed at long tables with notable distancing, a stance that puzzled observers including politicians like Emmanuel Macron. In the wake of the Wagner insurrection two weeks earlier, the Kremlin signaled a shift toward openness and closer ties with ordinary Russians.
Today, amid ongoing tensions with the West, Putin holds his annual press conference. Typically a marathon event, this year featured in-person attendance by invitation, with journalists required to show three negative PCR tests and pass through disinfection procedures. A public post captured the moment, illustrating the security-centric atmosphere surrounding the event.
Images of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenaries, departing Rostov-on-Don were met with varying reactions from civilians. The episode underscored a broader realignment, as the Kremlin’s posture evolved following the rebellion. Putin was later seen in Dagestan, engaging directly with the public. Attendees could approach the leader and even take photos, a scene contrasting with the quarantines that once confined public gatherings, including interactions with leaders from neighboring Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko and WWII veterans also appeared at a Victory Day parade that highlighted regional dynamics.
Behind the scenes, attempts to frame Prigozhin in a negative light were broadcast on state channels and propagandist outlets, part of a broader effort to manage narratives surrounding the rebellion and to shore up the president’s image with public demonstrations of support.
Public events in Dagestan, a region with diverse ethnic groups and a history of tension, were used to engage with local communities. Dagestan, one of Russia’s southern regions, has historically faced regional challenges and occasional protests. During the Wagner episode, footage circulated online suggesting local discontent, accompanied by messages emphasizing that Dagestan is distinct from the broader Russian identity. Political consequences in the region are significant in a country where regional loyalties are tightly regulated, and where minority communities in the South Caucasus have long played a notable role. At the same time, the president has occasionally shown a softer persona, joking about artistic skills and using a digital whiteboard to illustrate ideas in a lighthearted manner.
Graphic content continues to circulate, including footage of Putin’s public appearances and responses to regional issues. The public reception remains mixed as authorities balance national narratives with authentic expressions of regional pride and dissent.
— A video snapshot features Putin displaying his “artistic skills” on a digital whiteboard. The clip amplifies the perception of a leader who can pivot between formal statecraft and informal demonstrations of humanity.
sensations in Russia
Meanwhile, daily life for many Russians presses on. With little positive news, people carry on with work and family routines, often under the shadow of ongoing conflicts and international tension. A Muscovite who preferred to remain unnamed described a cautious weekend, choosing to stay home during moments of potential unrest. The national temperament appears fortified, with a history of enduring hardship during sieges and economic upheavals. The ruble has faced volatility, tempering optimism for travel and international purchases. At the time of writing, the exchange rates reflected a historically tough climate for Russians abroad. A fictitious traveler, Amine, hopes to explore Europe someday, even if it remains financially challenging.