Whatever You Do in Russia, Don’t Talk About the War

In Russia, the government is taking a cautious approach to discussing the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, opting to avoid directly addressing the war's impact. Officials are hesitant to designate shelters or use blast sirens, instead employing euphemisms to downplay the situation. This reluctance reflects broader efforts to maintain a semblance of normalcy and avoid inciting public concern or dissent amidst escalating tensions. The implications of this approach reveal much about the Kremlin’s strategy to control the narrative and manage domestic perceptions of the conflict.