Drone strikes shatter Russian city's calm

A Ukrainian drone hit a Wildberries warehouse outside Tambov in July, killing 7 and wounding 25. A second attack a month later destroyed the site where 5,000 people worked.

“It's terrifying, impossible to put into words just how awful it is.”

Elections happen despite foregone outcome

Parliamentary elections are September 18 to 20, but President Putin's United Russia party is expected to win comfortably. Many residents still view voting as essential.

“It's essential to go and vote, because the future, I believe, depends on us.”

Anti-war party banned but still running

Yabloko, which opposes the war, is banned at the national level but fields candidates in some local races. The party saw membership surge and gained exiled opposition support before the ban.

Peace itself becomes a forbidden word

Yabloko candidate Yana Zenkina says the word 'peace' is now considered offensive and dangerous. Her campaign videos were banned from local television for showing extremist signs.

“The word 'peace' is considered offensive, dangerous.”

War fatigue is real but politically muted

Zenkina reports enormous support from young and older people, saying people are exhausted after five years of conflict. But this sentiment hasn't translated into a surge for anti-war candidates.

“People are tired... Everyone is already exhausted, and naturally, they want to live in calm, in peace, to be safe.”

Economy stagnates from Ukrainian attacks

Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have triggered nationwide fuel shortages and price hikes, causing economic stagnation over the past year.

Communist party backs continued fighting

Communist candidate Andrei Zhidkov opposes peace talks, saying victory means state survival. Six local Communist members are fighting in Ukraine, and he says two have been killed.

“Peace proposals during a war are always a dangerous path. That's why we are a fighting party.”

Kremlin pushes turnout for legitimacy

The Kremlin sees high voter turnout as a way to legitimize Putin's rule. Posters across Tambov urge citizens to vote with the slogan 'Your voice is Russia's strength.'

Job losses redirected to defense industry

The Wildberries warehouse employed 5,000 people. City officials say other enterprises can offer comparable salaries, but many are in the defense sector.

Older voters split on war support

A 76-year-old resident plans to vote Communist despite opposing the war, saying almost everyone votes United Russia. Some older voters back the conflict, others don't.

“Almost everyone is going to vote for United Russia. I know I'll vote against.”

Young people show anti-war leanings

An 18-year-old student called the drone attacks terrifying. A 35-year-old manicurist backs Yabloko for being against military action, saying it's essential to vote for the right party.