Russia’s Anesthetized Response to Fuel Shortages

The recent launch of drones by Ukraine targeting Russian oil refineries has sent shockwaves across the country, causing a nationwide fuel shortage that has left Russians waiting in lines for as long as 69 hours. The strategy appears aimed at disrupting the daily lives of ordinary citizens and forcing them to confront the harsh realities of war.

However, initial optimism about the impact of these disruptions seems misplaced. While some Russians may grow tired of the inconveniences, it’s equally possible that they will continue to adapt and normalize their existence under siege conditions. The parallels between the current situation and those experienced during Soviet rule are striking – particularly in how ordinary people internalized hardships as an inevitable aspect of life.

Russian identity has long been shaped by waiting, with lines for essential goods a common sight under Soviet rule. Academics have theorized that this experience created a culture of acquiescence, where citizens became accustomed to hardship and reluctant to protest. Even now, when asked about the fuel shortages, Russians seem more likely to shrug them off as an inevitable part of life.

Fear is a significant factor in this phenomenon – not just of the regime itself but also of the consequences of dissent. Activists speak candidly about the risks involved in discussing anti-war sentiments. Demonstrations were more common at the start of the war, with nearly 19,000 arrests reported in 2022 by OVD-Info, but since then, protests have all but disappeared.

The case of Alexander Lunin, a veteran who publicly denounced Putin and the war on social media, serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved. The ban on Yabloko, an anti-war party that received foreign funding, from participating in parliamentary elections further underscores the regime’s willingness to silence dissenting voices.

Many Russians seem to have inherited their ancestors’ long-suffering mentality, choosing adaptation over resistance. Irina Borogan, a journalist who has studied Russian dissidents, notes that many believe it’s time to “stand together and tighten their belts.” Another individual from Crimea shrugged off the fuel shortages by saying, “We are humans; we’ll adapt.”

This raises questions about Ukraine’s strategy: will they continue to push for increased disruptions, potentially forcing Russians into even more precarious situations? Or will they reassess their approach in light of the apparent lack of mass resistance?

Despite widespread hardships, those with connections and resources appear able to circumvent difficulties. As Denis Volkov, director of the Levada Center, notes, “The middle class quickly adapts to difficulties.” The reality of war in Russia is thus far from uniform – some may be suffering, but others are learning to navigate these challenges.

Ukraine’s campaign has exposed a deep-seated aspect of Russian culture: its resilience in the face of hardship. As long as this continues, the regime will remain secure in its grip on power.