The Daily A Journey Through Putin’s Russia
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Mar 15, 2024 
Valerie Hopkins, an international correspondent for The New York Times, dives into Russia's political landscape amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. She discusses the surprising resilience of Putin's popularity despite sanctions and explores the evolving consumer culture in Russian malls. The emotional impact on families, like the Kadira family grieving their son, highlights the complex relationship between patriotism and loss. Hopkins also touches on Yulia Navalny's call for protest amid rising political tensions, revealing the stark realities of dissent in contemporary Russia.
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Putin's Unexpected Resilience
- Putin's high approval rating (86%) and public support for Russia's direction (75%) seem incongruous with the war's costs.
- These figures, from seemingly reputable polls, suggest unexpected resilience in Putin's leadership despite widespread sanctions and predictions of economic collapse.
Samara Mall Visit
- Valerie Hopkins visited a Samara mall to gauge the economic impact of the war on ordinary Russians.
- The mall was bustling, with new brands replacing departed Western companies, demonstrating economic adaptation.
Apple Store Salesman's Confidence
- In a Samara mall's Apple store, the salesman wasn't worried about sanctions. He was confident about Russia's economic survival, citing resource richness and the ability to import Western goods.
- He compared Russia to Iran, suggesting Russia could thrive under sanctions like Iran has for decades.