Sanctions, censorship and war: What it’s like living in Russia

This Matters

Guest: Allan Woods, global and national affairs reporter for the Toronto Star

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth long month, you may wonder, what’s it like in Russia? In a country slipping into further isolation and sanctions, where information is tightly guarded, do Russians support this war or are they living in fear of government surveillance and censorship at home? According to Star reporter Allan Woods, the answer is as complicated as the country. Like many journalists, Allan fled Russia when the war broke out. He had lived in Moscow for over four years. He made a recent trip back to Moscow and he gives us a glimpse into a city that appears as electric as ever — at least on the surface.

Audio sources: France24, PBS, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn