@nytimes

Despite Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, very little about day-to-day life seems to have changed in Moscow. People in the capital have the financial resources to weather significant price increases, unlike much of the rest of the country. “Nothing has really changed,” said Nataliya Nikonova, 44, who recently attended a Russian military celebration in Moscow. “Sure, the prices went up, but we can endure that.” Detachment from war is exactly what President Vladimir Putin is counting on as he seeks to shield Russians from the hardships of war — no draft, no mass funerals, no feelings of loss. The luxury mall next to Red Square is full of shoppers, and restaurants and theaters are thriving. People gather to dance at night in Gorky Park and Moscow’s roads still teem with luxury cars. A military festival last month drew thousands to Red Square and thousands more gathered at the Alabino army training ground southwest of Moscow over two weeks to watch the Army International Games. While maintaining a sense of normalcy, Putin is also working to further militarize Russian society. Along Moscow’s artery roads are billboards of soldiers listing their rank and title with a QR code to scan for more information. And there is no shortage of events celebrating Russia’s military might. Tap the link in our bio to read more about how Russians are living through two very different realities. Photos by @nannaheitmann