(KYIV) – More Russian regions are expressing dissatisfaction with the war in Ukraine as fighting increasingly affects territory inside the Russian Federation. Areas that strongly supported the Kremlin’s so called special military operation in 2022 are now reporting direct economic and security consequences.
Two contrasting regions illustrate the shift: Belgorod, near the Ukrainian border, and Sochi, a major Black Sea resort in southern Russia.
Belgorod region has become an active conflict zone due to its proximity to the front line. Air raid alerts, electricity outages and heating disruptions are reported frequently. Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has publicly criticised Moscow for failing to provide adequate air defence systems. He has stated that residents feel abandoned by federal authorities.
In 2022, local officials expressed confidence that Russian advances would extend deeper into Ukrainian territory. Public rhetoric suggested that Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv might soon be incorporated into Russia. By early 2026, public sentiment appears to have shifted. Social media commentary increasingly reflects frustration, with some residents questioning the region’s security and Moscow’s priorities.
Reports indicate that the Kremlin has considered tighter restrictions on Telegram, widely used for information exchange. Observers interpret this as an effort to limit public criticism and prevent protests.
Gladkov has stated that Belgorod residents repeatedly request additional air defence systems but receive negative responses. He has suggested that federal resources are prioritised elsewhere. According to regional commentary, the perception that Moscow invests more heavily in offensive operations than in domestic protection has intensified local anger.
The region has also faced infrastructure strain. Transport disruptions and budget pressures are reported. Federal finances remain under stress amid sustained military expenditure.
Further south, Sochi and neighbouring resort areas such as Anapa have experienced a significant decline in tourism. Official figures indicate that Sochi lost more than 30 per cent of tourists in 2025. In the opening months of 2026, the decline reached approximately 38 per cent compared with previous years.
The region historically relied on strong domestic tourism, supported by a busy airport and Black Sea coastal infrastructure. However, repeated Ukrainian drone activity over southern Russia has resulted in periodic airspace closures. Local sources estimate that between 40 and 50 drones per day have transited or targeted areas in and around southern regions during peak periods.
Civil aviation has also deteriorated. Western sanctions and limited access to spare parts have increased operating costs and safety concerns. Ticket prices have risen sharply, reducing domestic travel demand. Airlines rely heavily on aircraft previously leased from Western manufacturers, complicating maintenance and insurance arrangements.
Businesses in Sochi report revenue losses and closures. Simultaneously, the Kremlin has increased tax burdens and lowered thresholds for entrepreneurs, according to regional economic observers. These measures are widely viewed as attempts to offset federal budget deficits driven by war expenditure.
Analysts note that Russia’s size presents defensive challenges. Large territory requires extensive air defence coverage. The current distribution of systems appears uneven, prioritising strategic sites and political centres.
Ukrainian military operations have expanded beyond the front line, targeting infrastructure and military related facilities deep inside Russia. Moscow and other regions have also experienced drone incidents.
The conflict, which began with Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, now affects multiple Russian regions directly. Public sentiment appears increasingly mixed, particularly in areas facing economic disruption and repeated security incidents.
Ukrainian officials argue that sustainable peace requires Russia to end its invasion and reduce its military capacity.
More and more russian regions stop enjoying SMO as it returns back to their territories. Belgorod governor keeps whining about the kremlin indifference to the needs of the region, turned into a war zone. Sochi lost 30% of tourists in 2025 because of the constant drone visits and the collapse of the russian civilian aviation.
