Maria and her husband, Aleksandr, are confident that President Vladimir V. Putin will secure a fifth term as Russia’s leader in the presidential election this weekend. However, they are uncertain about what will happen after that. Their biggest concern is the possibility of another mobilization for soldiers to fight in Ukraine, as Mr. Putin might be emboldened by winning a new six-year term. Aleksandr, who left Russia shortly after the first mobilization in September 2022 but recently returned, is even considering leaving the country again.
Many Russians are worried about various issues before the election, which started on Friday and takes place over three days. While the Russian authorities have denied planning another mobilization for the war, there is still a sense of unease among the population.
The worries stem from the fear that Mr. Putin will use his unchecked power to make changes he avoided before the election. Denis Volkov, the director of the Levada Center, a respected pollster in Russia, mentioned that these anxieties are mainly felt by the minority of Russians who oppose the government.
Apart from concerns about a potential mobilization, there is also unease about finances and the economy. Some Russians fear that the ruble might depreciate again, raising the cost of imports. Businesspeople are concerned about higher taxes, and opposition activists expect further crackdowns on dissent.
Overall, there is a prevailing sense of uncertainty in Russia, exacerbated by an increasingly authoritarian government under Mr. Putin’s rule. Some experts believe that the results of the election could lead to more repression and an escalation of the war in Ukraine.
While the outcome of the election is not in doubt, Russians are preoccupied with the process. The vote will be the first since Mr. Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine in February 2022, adding to the tension and uncertainty in the country.
Businesses are also on edge, fearing tax hikes and rising costs after the election. The possibility of another troop mobilization adds to the uncertainty in the labor market, further complicating the business environment.
Despite the challenges, most Russians have adapted to the new reality following the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent mobilization. The government’s efforts to boost morale and inject money into the economy have helped stabilize the situation for many citizens.
However, there is a growing divide between supporters and opponents of Mr. Putin, leading to increased polarization in Russian society. Anti-Kremlin activists fear a new crackdown on dissent after the election, with some predicting a stark choice between imprisonment and exile for dissidents.
While some analysts doubt that Mr. Putin will intensify his crackdown on dissent, there is still a sense of uncertainty and apprehension among many Russians about the future under his continued leadership.
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