Four years after launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia is now clearly feeling the effects of the war.
At first glance, the town of Yelets looks peaceful in winter. Golden church domes shine above the skyline, and fishermen sit quietly on the frozen river. It feels calm and traditional.
But signs of war are everywhere.
On the riverbank stands a military recruitment billboard offering a large payment to anyone willing to join the fight in Ukraine. Posters of armed soldiers and patriotic slogans remind residents that the war is ongoing.
When the Kremlin began the invasion on 24 February 2022, many believed it would be short and successful. Russian leaders expected quick results. That did not happen.
Now, four years later, the war continues with heavy losses.
In Yelets, a large mural on a residential building shows the faces of five local soldiers who died in Ukraine. Across Russia, towns and villages have built monuments and cemetery sections for those killed in the conflict.
Although official casualty numbers are not released, it is widely known that losses have been significant.
Irina, a local bus station worker, says many families in her area have been affected. Friends, relatives, and neighbors have died. She struggles financially as living costs rise.
“Utility bills are suffocating us. Prices are crushing us,” she says.
Despite the economic pressure, she still helps send supplies to soldiers. However, she admits confusion about the purpose of the war. During World War II, she says, people clearly understood what they were fighting for. Today, she is unsure.
Even though Yelets is 250km from the Ukrainian border, the war feels close. Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted regions like Lipetsk. Emergency shelters now stand in parks and near bus stops. Sirens often sound at night.
Before 2022, such shelters were unnecessary.
The war has also placed pressure on Russia’s economy. With rising defence spending and a growing budget deficit, the government has increased VAT from 20% to 22%. Officials say the additional funds will support defence and security.
Four years on, the impact of the conflict is visible not only on the battlefield but in daily life. From rising prices to memorial walls, towns like Yelets show how deeply the war has shaped modern Russia.
