Daily life in Voronezh reflects how deeply the war in Ukraine has reached inside Russia. In a city shopping centre, a young drone operator preparing for deployment showed military equipment to shoppers. The 19-year-old said he planned to fight to defend his country.
Recruitment messages now dominate public spaces. Military posters line streets, while murals honour fallen soldiers. A local recruitment centre offers large signing bonuses, helping sustain enlistment despite heavy losses. Former president Dmitry Medvedev has said hundreds of thousands joined the military last year.
For many residents, however, the conflict brings fear rather than pride. Air-raid sirens and explosions have become routine as Ukrainian drones strike Russian territory in response to ongoing attacks. A local woman whose son has been missing for months said hope is all she has left. Others reject enlistment despite financial incentives, citing safety concerns.
Independent monitoring by BBC and Mediazona estimates at least 168,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since the offensive began. Meanwhile, critics say public dissent remains risky under the government of Vladimir Putin.
Even so, small signs of resistance survive, including a lone peace plaque still standing on a street quietly named Peace.
