The Russian public was unprepared for the invasion of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin felt no need to build any kind of patriotic momentum in society, apparently believing the war would be over within days. But now, as the war approaches its first anniversary, Russian citizens have had time to digest and react to this unprecedented situation.
Society is adapting to the ‘new normal’, and family, jobs and private life are taking precedence over politics and the war. Strong pro- and anti-war views exist within the country, but they are in a minority; many in mainstream society are keeping their distance from those extremes.
This is not to say people are ignoring the situation altogether. While it is hard to rely on polls, as many people give socially acceptable answers in times of war or refuse to respond, there are a number of observable trends that give an insight into the popular mood that the pro/anti dichotomy does not explain.
