**Russia Seeks New Recruits to Fight in Ukraine**
The town of Tver, Russia is filled with military imagery. Posters of soldiers and the words “Hero of Russia” are everywhere. Despite this, locals like Mikhail say life feels normal.
“Just look around,” Mikhail says. “Cars are passing by and all the shops are open. No shells are falling from anywhere.”
Many Russians don’t feel the war’s impact, but for people like Anna, it’s very real. She knows of friends who went to fight in Ukraine and never returned.
**US President Donald Trump Seeks an End to the War**
Donald Trump has entered direct talks with Russia’s leadership without inviting Ukraine to the table. Russians have mixed feelings about this.
“Trump is a dark horse,” Anna says. “I’m not sure what to expect from him.”
**Russians Support the Official Narrative**
Some people in Tver repeat the official narrative that Russia is defending its citizens and territory in Ukraine. However, experts say many Russians don’t believe this and are just following the mainstream view.
“It’s easier not to think about the details,” says Andrei Kolesnikov, a columnist for newtimes.ru and Novaya Gazeta. “You want to live peacefully, so why not join the majority?”
**A Visit from the Police**
A camera crew from Russian state TV showed up while we were talking to locals. The police arrived, asking questions about our presence in Tver.
“We were just passing,” said the reporter. “And we spotted the police and recognised you.”
The incident lasted about an hour, a reminder of the tension between Russia and the West.
**Russians Hope for Economic Relief**
Locals hope that an end to the war will bring economic relief, as prices for essential goods like potatoes and onions have risen sharply.
However, teacher Mikhail is skeptical about Trump’s ability to secure peace. “Unfortunately, Trump hasn’t got any plan,” he says.