In brief
As recruitment for the Ukraine war intensifies in Tver, citizens present a mixed picture of acceptance and denial regarding the conflict. Some, like Anna, acknowledge personal losses, while others express unwavering support for the government's narrative. Amid these sentiments, uncertainty prevails over Donald Trump's approach to peace.
Driving through Tver, Russia, it’s hard to miss the prominent military presence: recruitment posters and billboards featuring soldiers are plastered across the city, urging citizens to enlist in the fight for Ukraine. With the war now in its third year, the Kremlin is increasingly appealing for new recruits. However, despite this militaristic imagery, Tver feels eerily normal. Locals, like teacher Mikhail, describe everyday life as unaffected by the distant conflict: "No shells are falling from anywhere. We can't hear any sirens."For many, the invasion of Ukraine—the Kremlin’s so-called "special military operation"—remains a distant spectacle mostly encountered on television. But for residents like Anna, the war has very tangible consequences. "I know a lot of people who went off to fight," she shares. "Some of them never came home. I hope [the war] ends as soon as possible."Amidst the recruitment drive, the international political landscape complicates views on the war, particularly regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s overtures to Moscow. While Trump claims to seek an end to the conflict, locals respond with wariness. "Trump is a dark horse," Anna admits, expressing uncertainty about what his leadership will mean for Russia.Despite a backdrop of state propaganda and a strong pro-war sentiment in Russian media, there’s an undercurrent of questioning among citizens. Columnist Andrei Kolesnikov notes that many choose to align with the majority voice that the government presents, reinforcing a cycle of denial regarding the complexities of the war. Others, like Larissa and her husband Valery, openly support the government stance, eagerly advocating for victory in Ukraine. "We want Ukraine's total capitulation," Larissa insists.During a reporting visit to Tver, the presence of local authorities adds to the tense atmosphere. Russian police approached the reporters, questioning their motives for being in the city while a state media crew also arrived to capture the unfolding situation. This heightened scrutiny reflects a pervasive distrust of Western portrayals of life in Russia. As the discussion continues, concerns around rising costs and the economic strain of the war emerge. Yulia, a local mother, highlights the difficulty of rising food prices, while Mikhail expresses doubt regarding Trump and his capacity to bring about peace. "Unfortunately, Trump hasn't got any plan," he observes. "He is an improviser... we’re all in the dark." In this precarious environment, it is evident that many Russians are longing for an end to the conflict, hoping that peace will eventually restore stability and affordability to their everyday lives.
