According to the leadership in Kiev, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is causing more and more damage in Russia itself. After the Wagner Group uprising, President Volodymyr Zelensky claims to have recognized “that the war is returning to its home port”.
In front of the barricades on Red Square and the Kremlin, a young man criticizes the Russian regime: “It was just bad leadership. I can’t say anything more specific. But I don’t like what’s going on now.”
Many have oatmeal on their minds. That’s what they say in Russia when you don’t know exactly what the whole thing is supposed to be about.
However, most of the people in the squares and streets are rather reserved. When asked how they experienced the Wagner group mutiny, two women replied with a smile, but obviously curtly: “Wonderful. All is well.”
SRF special correspondent Christof Franzen is in Moscow. He, too, noticed a certain passivity the day after. “On Saturday, you couldn’t see anywhere that there was a militia and that people were uniting to defend their city.”
Looking back, people talk about a short but big shock that they felt. “A lot of people have porridge on their minds. That’s what they say here in Russia when you don’t know exactly what the whole thing is supposed to be.”
Little interest in politics
Similarly, a couple denies feelings of fear. “We have a good president,” the woman notes. “Everything will be fine.”
When asked what the weekend’s revolt means for Russia, the man adds: “We don’t particularly follow politics. But we think what the President is doing is right.”
Legend:
“Life in Moscow actually never stands still,” says correspondent Christof Franzen. (Picture from 06/25/2023)
Reuters/Evgenia Novozhenina
Because of the impending invasion of the Wagner troops, the Moscow mayor had declared Monday a day off. “Life in Moscow actually never stands still,” explains Franzen. There is always something going on in Moscow, the large shopping centers are always open on Sundays, and many shops are open 24 hours a day, according to Franzen. “People will enjoy the day off.”
Another Moscow couple is downright defiant. When asked whether the country’s leadership has been weakened, they clearly deny it. It will become even stronger, because state and people are united.
The two admit that the occupation of government buildings by insurgents is not normal. But the middle-aged man points out that “scandals happen in every family”. “And sometimes you strike.”
The man does not want to say his name. But he lets the Swiss, who are interested in their lot, say that Russia will win.