In brief
While Putin’s threats provoke excitement in pro-government circles, a wave of worry spreads among ordinary Russians about the looming possibility of nuclear conflict.
In the wake of President Vladimir V. Putin's recent threats of nuclear action against the West, the responses across Russia have been anything but uniform. Following his announcement of launching a new intermediate-range ballistic missile targeting Ukraine, many Russians woke up to a mix of anxiety and resignation, fearing the specter of nuclear war had increased. State-controlled media and pro-government channels celebrated Putin's bluster, echoing sentiments of pride and an aggressive show of strength. However, not everyone is cheering; in fact, feelings of uncertainty and dread surfaced among the populace. Denis Volkov of the Levada Center noted a shift in elite discussions, moving towards an acceptance of open talks regarding nuclear capabilities as a method of demonstrating resolve. Despite the Kremlin's attempts to paint Ukraine and the West as aggressors, there’s a palpable undercurrent of fear—a result of years spent absorbing the growing tensions and military threats since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. Much like other media portrayals, the narrative of the "besieged Russia" has largely conditioned public perception. The response to Putin's latest threats reflects a complex reality: a blend of fervent support in some circles and anxiety in the hearts of many Russians.
