A year after the Russian invasion, ‘normal’ life seems to have resumed in Kiev. While Ukrainians are working hard to help resist the Russians, most people in Russia still support President Putin’s special military operation.
“It looks like a normal working day in central Kiev as he takes office,” says Europe reporter Geert Jan Hahn. “But if you consider that a year ago this was supposed to become Russian territory, it’s a miracle that everyone goes to work normally. A year ago we didn’t know if things would go back to normal now.’
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In Ukraine, no one doubts that they must defend themselves and that the war must be won. “A lot of people are hoping for it and saying it openly, but a lot of people also have their doubts about how to do it.” According to Hahn, Ukrainians work day and night, whether they work at the front or in a shop, and what they earn they send to charities that support the front. “Everyone works in the national interest.”
Russians
in Russia, according to Russian correspondent Joost Bosman, people look at the present day rather “resigned”. “The ‘special military operation’ is not popular, but people think it is necessary.” According to him, this is mainly due to Russian propaganda. ‘The story is that the fighting is not in and against Ukraine, but against the West and NATO who are attacking Russia. It can also be seen from the numbers: President Putin’s actions are approved by more than 80 percent of Russians.’
However, the call for an end to the war is also growing stronger in Russia, Bosman says. Putin is repeating his tirades against the West. The Russians say: Now we know, give us an overview of what you want with this special military operation. But that doesn’t happen, and it takes away a lot of enthusiasm for the whole operation.’
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
