Where the war is background noise

A damaged skyscraper in the ‘Moscow City’ business district following a reported drone attack, in Moscow. Muscovites go about their daily lives with little major disruption. But the war’s effects are evident – in the stores, at the movies and in the increasingly repressive environment. — ©2023 The New York Times Company

METRO trains are running smoothly in Moscow, as usual, but getting around the city centre 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).