Insights into Knowledge of Life in Russia Beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg

Living in Saint-Petersburg and frequently traveling for work has allowed me to gain a broad perspective on the life across Russia. However, it is true that Moscow and Saint-Petersburg residents often have a somewhat opaque understanding of life in the regions of Russia with populations greater than 500,000 to 1 million.

Awareness of Events Across Russia

As an inhabitant of Saint-Petersburg, I can assure you that we are keenly aware of what is happening throughout the country. Pavel Wolkow mentioned the Chechen conflict, which indeed refers to the treatment of ethnic Russians by the Dudayev regime and other warlords before the military actions in December 1994. My family supported distant relatives from Gudermes, who fled with only their lives. The ethnic cleansing of Russians in Chechnya was well-covered by the media, particularly until 2001, when the NTV network was known for its criticisms of the Kremlin. Free press does exist in Russia, and most people now have access to the internet. As such, news of significant events, such as the floods in the Far East and forest fires, is reported by official media.

Even during the Soviet era, there were strict policies regarding the reporting of certain events. For instance, the renowned dissident musician, Vladimir Vystotsky, whose music was deeply loved by the public, was never played on official radio or television channels. Nevertheless, his music was known and sung frequently in households and parties.

While there are undoubtedly some individuals who remain oblivious to events outside major cities, it is worth noting the Russian tendency to live in Podmoskovye, or outside the Moscow region. Many people now own plots of land further away from cities, even in neighboring regions, seeking a off the beaten track lifestyle. My own plot is in a rural village in the neighboring Vladimir region, which, to a foreigner, could be seen as a perfect getaway.

Lack of Knowledge Among Moscow Residents

I was born on the outskirts of Moscow, and having lived my entire life in the Moscow metropolitan area, I can say that our knowledge of the life in regions outside of major cities is not as clear-cut. The life in these regions is often harder, with people facing a multitude of issues such as corruption, red tape, and a lack of infrastructure and opportunities.

It is admirable when people from these regions manage to succeed despite these challenges. However, many talented individuals may get bogged down by the red tape and inadequate officials. It is a shame that Moscow, with its influx of resources, has become a money dump. The allocation of resources to the regions is minimal, with 20-30% being stolen. This medieval system must be reformed if we wish to progress beyond simply selling oil. We need a more sustainable approach that brings prosperity to all parts of Russia.

In summary, while there is a general awareness of significant events throughout Russia, there is a lack of detailed understanding of the challenges faced by people living in areas outside major cities. It is essential for both regional and national development to improve the current system and ensure that all regions of Russia have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.