How 4 Years of Sanctions Has Changed Russia

Описание: What does life in Russia actually look like after four years of Western sanctions?

Since 2022, Russia has become the most sanctioned country in the world. Western companies left the market, international flights were cut, and Russian banks were disconnected from parts of the global financial system. Many experts predicted that the Russian economy would collapse quickly.

But four years later, what is the reality on the ground?

In this video I walk through central Moscow to explore how life has changed since sanctions were introduced. Along the way we look at the disappearance of Western brands, the rise of Chinese companies, the impact on travel and banking, and some of the unexpected ways Russia has adapted.

We also look at the less obvious effects of sanctions, including technology restrictions, software access issues, and why many people now rely on VPN services to access certain online platforms.

This video shows everyday life in Moscow in 2026 and asks a simple question: did sanctions change Russia in the way many people expected?

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Walk route in this video

We begin opposite the Moscow Kremlin on the banks of the Moskva River, before walking through central Moscow towards the districts around Tretyakovskaya Metro Station and Novokuznetskaya Metro Station.

From there we take a tram across the city to the Paveletskaya Metro Station area and explore the modern Paveletskaya Plaza Mall, looking at shops, brands and everyday life in Moscow today.

Along the way we discuss:
• what happened after Western companies left Russia
• how parallel imports allow products like iPhones to still be sold
• the growing role of Chinese brands in Russia
• how sanctions affected banking and payments
• travel changes for Russians since 2022
• the technology and software restrictions some people experience today

On this channel I walk around Moscow and Russia showing everyday life, infrastructure, culture and current events from the ground level.

If you’re interested in Russia travel, Moscow city walks, geopolitics and real life in Russia, consider subscribing for more on-the-ground videos.