"The thought that something exploded nearby is disturbing." Belarusians living in Russia talk about the current atmosphere there

Moscow: "Talks about leaving are already underway, but not serious yet"

Boris (name changed) has been living in Moscow for almost a year, working in an office:

— I don't have a car, I use public transport. But I've already noticed a price increase in taxis, although it's not critical. This only applies to Moscow: in the regions, the situation might look more dramatic.

From the discussions on the fuel topic that I've heard, I can highlight the following:

• Owners of electric cars and hybrids haven't felt the refinery bombings much.
• In Moscow itself, the situation isn't dire. I've heard about half-hour queues, but that's more due to panic than actual scarcity.
• In the regions, the situation is more serious. I've heard about queues longer than three hours, about sales based on even/odd license plates on different days.

The internet situation has significantly worsened. Until mid-July, it was possible to use a Belarusian SIM card, and VPN for social networks wasn't needed. Now that's "fixed." There's also a fight against VPNs; some programs stop working with them or experience disruptions.

Corporate VPN works well; one can safely use Telegram and other social networks. Regarding internet connection, I don't feel much difference from Belarus, except, of course, for resources blocked in the Russian Federation.

I'm lucky; I live in a part of Moscow where there are no attacks. But some colleagues at work have had to hear and see the arrivals and their consequences. Discussions about leaving Moscow are already underway among them, but they are not serious yet.

I'm not planning to move yet. The only thing that could push me to do so is the announcement of mobilization in Belarus. Then there won't be much choice: I'll have to leave for a country where the military enlistment office can't reach me.

St. Petersburg: "I find gas stations without queues"

Alexey (name changed) has been living in St. Petersburg for about two years, also working in an office.

— I haven't been to other regions of Russia recently, but I've noticed fuel problems in St. Petersburg. I'm only interested in 95-octane gasoline, but not all gas stations have fuel at all. However, it seems there's more diesel fuel than gasoline.

I don't look at the price. I mainly refuel at Gazprom gas stations. About three weeks ago, the dispensing limit was 30 liters, but a couple of days ago, I found a gas station where there was no limit.

At the moment, fuel disruptions haven't significantly affected my life. Yes, I had to drive further to refuel, but not just anywhere far. I find gas stations without queues. Overall, everything is calm; nothing has fundamentally changed.

Mobile internet disruptions started a year ago. When UAVs approach, it's switched off. The trend continues; however, there are websites that can be accessed even if mobile internet is disconnected.

I use VPN daily for personal purposes; it's already a "basic minimum." It costs 100 Russian rubles a month [about 1.3 dollars], which is hardly noticeable.

Mobile internet connection is now clearly more stable in Belarus. But where it's easier for an IT specialist to work depends more on the field you're in.

In the area where I live, the consequences of drone strikes are not directly felt. However, the thought that something exploded nearby is disturbing.

I have no plans to return to Belarus.

Yekaterinburg: "People are enjoying the summer, socializing"

Andrey (name changed) has been living in Yekaterinburg for the third year, working remotely:

— I've noticed fuel problems in Yekaterinburg recently. Prices have changed differently; it all depends on the company: somewhere +2%, somewhere +20%. I haven't been to other parts of Russia.

Disruptions mostly concern popular types of gasoline, 92 and 95, and diesel fuel. Restrictions are introduced and then lifted; it all depends on the company. The disruptions haven't particularly affected me; I just started driving less for personal errands and walking more. Food delivery, goods, taxis, public transport – it's all the same; I haven't noticed any difference.

I haven't encountered any changes in people's behavior; everything is calm and civilized. Perhaps I'm just lucky.

Fixed internet always works here, but mobile internet is jammed from time to time. But since I work remotely, I don't know how long these blockages last. I've encountered them myself a couple of times, and it didn't cause serious inconvenience.

VPN is, of course, a must-have for living in Russia. It's fundamental, especially for an IT specialist who doesn't mind using foreign artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It costs me about 3000 Russian rubles [about 39 dollars] per year.

If comparing home internet stability, it is definitely better in the Russian Federation. But mobile internet wins in Belarus. Accordingly, it's easier to work remotely in Russia due to stable home internet. But if you like to go work in cafes or hookah lounges, it's better to factor in this risk and choose establishments closer to home.

Sirens have already gone off 3-4 times here, and once there was a drone hit on an apartment in the city center. But the general atmosphere is calm, if you don't read pro-Western content and don't take everything written there at face value. People are enjoying the summer, socializing, going to their dachas, and events are organized in the city.

Of course, I've thought about returning to Belarus. But, unfortunately, there's a job vacancy crisis right now, and it's far from easy to find even the same salary in Belarus as I have here. And moving for a salary -30% plus renting an apartment there would significantly cut into the family budget (here, my wife and I don't have to rent an apartment). Maybe I would move if I found a good job, or if we built an apartment or house in Belarus.

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