Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:57am on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
Four years after the Kremlin launched its full invasion of Ukraine, signs of strain are visible across parts of Russia. In towns like Yelets, army recruitment posters offer large payments to new soldiers. Murals honour local men killed in the war. Authorities do not release official casualty figures. Residents speak of rising prices and higher utility bills. “Prices are crushing us. It’s very hard to get by,” said Irina, a bus worker. Drone alerts have led to shelters being built in some areas. Even supporters feel the impact. “Pensions go up, but then prices go up even more,” said pensioner Ivan. (PC: BBC)
