The New York TimesThe New York Times

In Moscow, the war is background noise, but ever-present

By Valerie Hopkins

18 Sep 2023 · 5 min read

informed Summary

  1. Almost 19 months after Russia invaded Ukraine, Moscow residents are experiencing dual realities where the war has faded into background noise, causing few major disruptions, yet it remains ever-present in their daily lives.

MOSCOW — Metro trains are running smoothly in Moscow, as usual, but getting around the city center by car has become more complicated, and annoying, because anti-drone radar interferes with navigation apps.

There are well-off Muscovites ready to buy Western luxury cars, but there are not enough available. And while a local election for mayor took place as it normally would this month, many of the city’s residents decided not to vote, with the result seemingly predetermined (a landslide win by the incumbent).

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