Moscow, Russia—At a trendy restaurant in central Moscow, Russian data analyst Alexandra awaited her dessert, determined to carry on as usual despite the conflict in neighboring Ukraine.
Her friend returned with a glass of red wine and then they went bar hopping in the Russian capital, around 600 kilometers (370 miles) from fighting that has been raging for more than two years.
“Even during the Second World War, women continued to put on makeup and buy lipstick,” said the 32-year-old, declining to give her surname.
“This shows that we should continue living… We go out and have a good time,” she added, smiling.
Whether due to patriotism, caution or indifference, 10 Muscovites interviewed by AFP asserted their right to a “normal” life despite the conflict and escalating tensions between Moscow and the West.
They avoided directly addressing Russia’s offensive on Ukraine, that Moscow calls a “special military operation.”
Russia has criminalized criticism of the conflict and arrested and detained thousands since February 2022, when it ordered troops across the border.
Alexandra said the atmosphere in Moscow is “the same as before” the conflict began.
“People go for walks, get to know each other, enjoy themselves, live, work and go about their lives. In that respect, nothing has changed,” she said.
Behind her, a crowd of young people, glasses in hand, were chatting, drinking and eating at Moscow’s “Central Market”—a three-story establishment full of chic bars and food stalls.
It is a different scene from Kyiv, some 750 kilometers away.
Although the Ukrainian capital has retained some form of nightlife, those frequenting bars and restaurants have been forced to grow accustomed to night curfews, air raid sirens, soldiers marshalling the streets, as well as missile and drone strikes. AFP
