The Foreign Desk What do Russians really think of Putin?
7 snips
Nov 29, 2025 
Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent Russian opposition politician recently freed after a 25-year sentence, shares his insights on preparing for a post-Putin Russia. He emphasizes the need for accountability and transitional justice. Jana Bakunina, author of 'The Good Russian,' offers a glimpse into Yekaterinburg, revealing how propaganda shapes public opinion despite personal hardships. Together, they explore the complex dynamics of support for Putin, the experience of émigrés, and the critical importance of international advocacy.
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Surprising Normality In Yekaterinburg
- Jana Bakunina was shocked to find Yekaterinburg clean, thriving and largely silent about the war when she visited in 2023.
- In-person conversations revealed both heartbreak and optimistic support for government policy among locals.
Propaganda Creates Narrative Uniformity
- Pro-Kremlin Russians share a tightly aligned narrative fed by television, websites and school curricula.
- This unified messaging explains why many believers echo identical storylines about the conflict.
Resentment Powers Support For The Regime
- Resentment, not ignorance, fuels acceptance of Kremlin messaging for many disaffected Russians.
- Personal disappointments are redirected into collective pride slogans like "Russia is great again."
