Moscow: An Oasis Amid Conflict

Far from Ukraine's frontlines, Moscow is being transformed into a summer retreat with blossoming trees and lively public events. Despite the war, life appears normal, but interviews reveal undercurrents of unease. Authorities are accused of staging a 'cognitive war' to distract citizens and project normalcy.

Moscow is being turned into a summer retreat filled with trees, flowers, and public events, far removed from the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the appearance of normalcy, some Muscovites express deep concerns about the ongoing war.

Margarita, recently returned from Montenegro, describes her lifestyle as 'awfully relaxed' while expressing guilt over her calm existence. Anton, lounging in a park, believes the city's cheerful facade is a distraction engineered by authorities to downplay the severity of the conflict.

Yulia Maslova, from the conflict-hit Kursk region, and other residents convey the ongoing worries and emotional toll that the war has inflicted, despite the serene image Moscow projects.

(With inputs from agencies.)