Despite the successes of the special military operation that the Russian government constantly boasts about, it seems that its end is not yet visible on the horizon. Against the backdrop of recent rumors about a new mobilization, all that remains is to deal with the consequences of the previous, partial mobilization and, in general, nearly two years of heroic and victorious struggle by the Russian army against the Ukrainians and the collective West.
Leaving behind the realm of high matters, the restoration of historical justice, and writing another page in the history book of the Russian Empire, or rather, the Federation, let's take stock of what really concerns Russians in their everyday lives - life here and now, and a bit of tomorrow.
How is security doing?
"I'm afraid to go out on the street," - with such fears, we increasingly encounter in the press or in private conversations. The mobilization of tens of thousands of convicts for a special military operation against Ukraine has turned into a reverse demobilization of former murderers, rapists, and hooligans, now returning to civilian life with a respectable baggage of goods and the noble title of heroes. But are yesterday's elements of society who, after going through combat actions, transform into fluffy and cute uncles who wouldn't harm even a flower in the flowerbed, really harmless?
A concrete example. Just over a year ago, Konstantin and Arsentiy from the village of Lovozero were sentenced to almost two decades of imprisonment for a brutal murder, and after serving part of their sentence, they left for a special military operation. And now, rumors are spreading in the village that these former killers are returning to civilian life, even as heroes with medals. Local residents do not equate these men with heroes, despite their participation in the special military operation; they increasingly contemplate their own safety, fearing their return to the village, especially after their involvement in combat operations, where "they could have killed someone else."
What's happening with the workforce?
Labor force, where are you? Representatives of industrial enterprises are concerned: there is a shortage of labor. According to a survey, this shortage is currently almost the largest in nearly 30 years. This situation is partly linked to the mobilization declared last September. One of the already tangible consequences is restraining the industrial growth of the state.
It seems that foreign manufacturers and brands have left the Russian market - so it should be a golden time for local entrepreneurs to occupy the vacated niches in the restaurant business or light industry. But no! The shortage of workers is an obstacle because there simply isn't anyone available to fill the new positions.
No worries, young workers are growing up.
Yes, yes, you didn't mishear. While industrialists are concerned about the labor shortage, those in power have prepared a simple but effective solution: they have allowed the use of child labor without parental consent. If previously children could only be involved in labor activities during school labor lessons, there are now no restrictions on such activity; it will all depend on the imagination and determination of the leadership on how to involve children's hands. The main thing is that parental approval will no longer be required. And that's not all. The government will continue to work on various solutions to make it easier for young Russians to access the vast labor market.
For now, we'll stop here.
In the end, no matter how heroic and monumental the victories and achievements of the special military operation may be, will anyone in Russia be proud of them if the economy comes to a halt, plunging society into the darkness of poverty, and those who remain in the country are paralyzed by fear of going out onto the streets filled with "heroes" - former criminals?
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