Monitoring Regional Processes in the Russian Federation

Non-governmental analytical center “Ukrainian Studies of Strategic Disquisitions” is launching a long-term project on Monitoring Regional Processes in the Russian Federation.

The research objective is to identify and analyze the dynamics of conflictogenic and disintegrative factors that contribute to the deconstruction of the Russian Federation and its disappearance as a geopolitical reality.

Monitoring Regional Processes in the Russian Federation

March 2024

One of the main events that occurred in the territory between the Gulf of Finland and the Pacific Ocean in the last month was Putin’s elections. According to the results presented by the regime, they have the highest figures ever recorded. Of course, one could believe that the majority of the population voted for the current dictator, and any denial of this would appear to be a deliberate or inadvertent attempt to shift responsibility away from the residents for the war in Ukraine and solely onto the military-political leadership. However, such a high turnout and vote count are impossible, especially in regions where public protests were recently held or where distances between the nearest villages are measured in tens of kilometers. Most likely, the “for” votes were added instead of those who did not come to the polling stations. Such a high result was necessary for their authorities primarily for domestic consumption, to paint an excessively high support for governmental actions to society after all the problems caused by the war and to create an image of population consolidation around the dictator. Probably, even the authorities themselves needed such an exaggeration to feel the support for their actions. These actions resemble the attempts of their field commanders to hide problems and exaggerate the achievements that took place during the Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2022.

As for the media review by regions, as well as with the central government, there is an attempt to create an image of control over the situation, and problems are minimized.

Since elections are always a time of heightened social activity, there were attempts to organize protests in a number of regions. Actions like “Noon Against Putin” were held at polling stations, where opponents of the regime called on like-minded people to come to the polling stations at 12:00 and spoil the ballots. There were also attempts to fill voting boxes with various substances.

In the border regions with Ukraine, military actions are felt the most. If official media write about attacks by Ukrainian drones, they claim they were shot down, and fires resulting from such attacks are described without specifying the reasons. In addition, there were isolated attempts at sabotage actions, such as setting fire to substations.

The authorities are trying to exert ideological influence on youth by organizing the study of “Russian values, history, and ideology.”

More details by regions:

A) Caucasus

Rostov Oblast

Being a region close to the Ukrainian border, the consequences of the war are somewhat more pronounced here. Events occur in the region that can be interpreted as destabilizing the internal stability of the government.

There is limited information regarding subversive activities in the media. Attempts of sabotage on the energy systems of the region and lack of support for Russian troops are reported. The motives behind such actions remain a question.

It is reported that four residents of Rostov have been arrested on suspicion of setting fire to two transformer substations and planning to set fire to a major oil pipeline. (Link provided)

A fire broke out at the Novocherkassk Thermal Power Plant on the night of March 25th. Ukrainian media report that the incident was caused by Ukrainian drones attacking it. Russian media do not report the reasons, only the facts of the fire and the elimination of all consequences. (Link provided)

It is claimed that Putin garnered 90.81% of the votes in Rostov Oblast.

Stavropol Krai

In this region, Putin received 88.56% of the votes.

Propaganda promotes greater involvement of residents in supporting the war. For example, events were held in the Kislovodsk Jewish community aimed at caring for wounded Moscow soldiers. Throughout Stavropol Krai, concerts, solemn events, and “Talks about Important Things” are held in schools, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the annexation of Crimea.

Judicial repression against opponents of the war continues, including the trial of Mikhail Balabanov. Mikhail Balabanov, a native of Kazan, was arrested in Stavropol Krai in December 2022. The investigation believes that he was planning to set fire to the draft board at the behest of Ukrainian intelligence. A criminal case was initiated under the article “Preparation of a terrorist act.”

On March 19, the airport in the capital of the region ceased operations due to damage to the runway.

Karachay-Cherkessia

Putin received 90.07% of the vote in the presidential elections in this region. 90.03% of voters cast their ballots – 265,913 people.

On March 14th, the Day of the Adyghe Language and Writing was celebrated in Ingushetia. The International Circassian Association held the “Adyghe Dictation” event, which was joined by residents of Karachay-Cherkessia.

A festival of Circassian culture was held in the capital of Karachay-Cherkessia, dedicated to the Day of the Circassian Language and Writing. “This year we decided to celebrate the Day of the Circassian Language and Writing with a festive festival. We want to familiarize our children with our culture,” said a deputy of the parliament of Karachay-Cherkessia, the head of the public movement “Adige Khasse – Circassian Parliament” Ali Aslanov.

Chechnya

There are no signs of separatism or centrifugal tendencies towards Russia in Chechnya. Russian media paint a picture of complete harmony in relations between Russia and Chechnya. Voter turnout for the Russian presidential election exceeded 93% during the day and 95% by the end of the day. In the presidential elections, Chechens gave Putin nearly 99% of the vote.

Kadyrov continues to be a loyal vassal of Putin. Kadyrov maintains the appearance of fighting corruption in Chechnya.

Ingushetia

On March 12, in Ingushetia, FSB officers allegedly found in the forest a cache of soldiers of the Ingushetia Liberation Army who died during the battle on March 2 in Karabulak. Responsibility for the fight with the occupiers was confirmed by the Ingush Independence Committee.

Putin received almost 90% of the vote in the presidential elections in Ingushetia. It was stated that refugees from Palestine could vote in the Russian presidential elections in Ingushetia.

Pro-government media give the impression that everything is fine in Ingushetia: schools are opening, kindergartens are opening, water pipelines are being built, and so on. The President of Ingushetia expresses support for Russia and personally for Putin. The Ingushetia authorities are trying to cover up internal problems with a screen of foreign policy activity, for example, by sending humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Judging by the news of the liquidation of militants, there is an increase in resistance in the country.

Dagestan

In the elections, Putin garnered 92.12% of the votes. Meanwhile, the headline news was the in-absentia arrest of two Dagestanis fighting on the side of Ukraine, accused of state treason. According to the material submitted to the court, the men left Russian territory in 2012 and 2017 and moved to Ukraine.

A significant news story remains the investigation into the illegal actions of the police in Makhachkala, who killed a 35-year-old man during his arrest on January 21st. Several suspects are under arrest. This indicates the government’s attempts to demonstrate a high level of combating police lawlessness.

Governor Melikov also demonstrates protection of the interests of local residents. At his request, the Federal Fisheries Agency supported the proposal to transfer the property complex of the Arakum and Nizhno-Tersk reservoirs to the ownership of the Republic of Dagestan. At the same time, the Makhachkala court ordered the city administration to stop discharging sewage into the sea.

There is a noticeable increase in the presence of businesses and tourists from Muslim countries, especially from the UAE. In January, representatives of the UAE who arrived in Dagestan discussed the establishment of working groups for a more detailed elaboration of cooperation prospects with Dagestan. According to RIA “Derbent”, cooperation will affect tourism (a five-star hotel), medicine (medical center), and construction.

National issue: In Derbent, a poster was published before the elections, where Dagestan was called “Lezginistan.” This caused outrage among commentators for ignoring other peoples of the republic and fueling interethnic hostility.

Participation in the war: A general from Dagestan was appointed commander of the Leningrad Military District on March 12, 2024, at 10:41. The title of Hero of Russia was awarded to Esedul Abachov in 2022 for his participation in the occupation of Lysychansk.

Kalmykia

Presidential elections – turnout 80.51%. Putin received 87.17% of the votes, Kharitonov 7.70%, Davankov 2.06%, Slutsky 0.2%.

The ecological situation in the republic is deteriorating. The People’s Khural of Kalmykia passed a law on state regulation of land fertility in agricultural land use. Minister Timur Gavaev explained that now the ministry will be able to conserve pastures unsuitable for livestock farming in order to restore them using phytomeliorants.

Depopulation in Kalmykia is a very serious environmental problem. Anthropogenic impact on it will increase over time as private farms expand. Steppe fires exacerbate the situation, after which ecosystems take decades to recover, as well as a severe shortage of fresh water.

Kalmykia is one of the most depressed regions of the Russian Federation. Ethnic Kalmyks make up the majority of the population and are predominantly Buddhists by religion. The election results for Putin indicate a high protest potential; the Communist Party candidate received over 7% of the vote. The republic has long-standing independence traditions; its diaspora is part of the League of Free Nations and does not recognize the election results.

B) Idel-Ural

Mari El

There were no obvious separatist sentiments in the region during the week under review. Instead, actions aimed at strengthening the ideology and power of Moscow took place. The center continues to implement programs aimed at ideological education of children. The region also boasts an increase in the economic well-being of residents. Residents of the region are being sent to war in Ukraine. However, the deceased resident by the name is an ethnic Russian. During the elections last weekend, rallies “Noon against Putin” took place in a number of Volga regions, during which dissenters were called upon to come to the polling stations at 12 o’clock and vote against or spoil the ballots. The central repressive authorities even reacted with threats to participants in such actions. However, there was no information specifically from Mari El that such an action took place.

Tatarstan

The authorities of Tatarstan have prepared a draft amendment to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation to be sent to the State Duma, which allows for the employment of teenagers from the age of 16 in hazardous and dangerous industries. Students in Yelabuga are already working in the assembly of Iranian drones.

Events in Tatarstan indicate problems with labor legislation, finances, and labor safety. For example, the draft amendment to the Labor Code, which allows for the employment of teenagers in hazardous industries, has caused outrage among the population. The budget deficit of Tatarstan and the conflict over compensating a worker who was injured in construction indicate serious economic and social problems.

Republic of Mordovia

Part of the population welcomes the state plans of the Russian Federation for the reconstruction of buildings and roads in various cities. They consider themselves part of the federation, believe they are part of it, and support state policy: children in schools make things for soldiers, humanitarian aid is collected. Also, people are actively involved in commemorating the terrorist attack in Krokus.

C) Siberia and the Far East

Presidential Elections in the North

For three days – from March 15th to 17th – elections without choice were held in Russia. In Yakutia and Chukotka, almost 100% voter turnout was recorded. Overall, the voting process went fairly smoothly and calmly. Only a few small acts of direct action were noted: in Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk Krai, attempts were made to pour or at least attempt to pour brilliant green dye into the ballot boxes. In the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, an attempt to burn the ballots was recorded. A nationwide action “Noon against Putin” took place, especially in Chukotka.

“In Novosibirsk, 13 people will be tried for setting fire to relay cabinets” – perhaps this was opposition to the war, and theoretically, there could have been weapons on trains. In Altai Krai, a blogger was detained for “anti-Russian content” because he supported Ukraine in his Telegram channel. Also, a school student from Krasnoyarsk is suspected of being involved in more than 20 bomb threats.

Extreme North of Russia and the so-called “L/DNR”: Cooperation Intensifies

Several recent reports indicate that cooperation between northern regions of the federation and terrorist entities in Russia’s Ukrainian Donbas is increasing.

Firstly: collaborators from Donetsk are being taken for training to Siberia. Specifically, to Krasnoyarsk Krai.

Secondly: doctors from Yakutia are working in the “L/DNR” (Dokuchaievsk).

Thirdly: Chukotka delivered humanitarian aid to Novoluhanske near Debaltseve.

Bonus: People from the occupied Moskovite Kherson region are “offered” evacuation to Tyumen.

Economy and Culture: The Republic of Komi will receive funds, new Yakut films, encyclopedia of indigenous peoples

It is currently known that reindeer herding economies in Komi will receive additional funding. At the same time, it is reported that the average salary in Komi will be 50 thousand rubles ($542, 21 thousand UAH), ranking 14th. An additional 4 million rubles will be allocated for tourism in the republic.

In Yakutia, several films will be released in March: “Abasylakh Khaus”, “Secrets of Tuman Island”, “Timyr”. On January 29th, it was announced that the annual international film festival of indigenous peoples Skábmagovat is taking place in the cultural capital of Finland, the village of Inari. Five Yakut works are participating from Russia. These are all short films: “Cuckoo”, “Bull of Cold”, “Ayy Ku”, “Hinkelten”, and “Süppüt suruktar”.

Also, in Yakutia, a new film about survival in the wilderness will be released. This is a true story about Karina Chikitova and her puppy Naida. And in Chukotka, a digital encyclopedia of the culture and languages of indigenous peoples will be released.

Primorsky Krai

The governors fulfilled the task assigned to them to maximize voter turnout in the elections. Pro-government “experts” note that the history of the Far Eastern protests is now in the past.

According to aggregated data, after processing 90% of the protocols in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD), 86.61% of voters cast their votes for Putin (in Russia – 87.21%). Thus, the incumbent president improved his result in the region by almost 20% compared to 2018.

The authorities feel threatened by supporters of former Governor Furgal of Khabarovsk Krai, and repression against them has been intensified. The Khabarovsk Krai court granted the prosecutor’s lawsuit and recognized the movement “I/WE Sergey Furgal” as an extremist organization.

On February 15th, the police conducted a search at the home of activist and blogger Oleg Pankov from Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The 58-year-old former deputy was arrested in connection with a case of “discrediting the army” and taken to Khabarovsk.

Two emergencies occurred simultaneously in the Amur region:

Thirteen miners were trapped in a mine.

In Blagoveshchensk, a fruit kiosk was set on fire on ethnic grounds after the terrorist attack in “Krokus.” The mayor hinted at a connection with Ukraine.

Republic of Buryatia

Voter turnout in the elections was 73.72%. Allegedly, 87.96% voted for Putin.

There are noticeable economic problems. Buryatia ranks second to last among all Far Eastern regions in terms of wage growth. The top three leaders include the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, where employers started offering 34,507 rubles more than the previous year, the Jewish Autonomous Oblast (+26,383 rubles), and the Magadan Oblast (+26,116 rubles).

Mobilization is increasing, with many reports coming from the Selenginsky District.

Tuva

Voter turnout for Putin in the elections was 95.59%.

On March 25th, Tuva was visited by Anatoly Serishev, the authorized representative of the President in the Siberian Federal District.

Tuva is the most depressed region in Russia. It showed one of the highest turnouts and results for Putin in the elections. Elections to the Supreme Khural (parliament) are expected in September. The Minister of Defense, Sergey Shoigu, has a significant influence on local politics.

E) Central Regions

Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast

On one hand, it is currently impossible to assert the existence of any centrifugal or federalist tendencies in Saint Petersburg. On the contrary, most news demonstrates the adherence of local elites and citizens of Petersburg to the course of the center. On the other hand, attention should be paid to the existing conflict situations, especially in the national sphere, which contribute to the exacerbation of interethnic conflicts in Petersburg as the second center of Russia. It is also necessary to consider the resistance to the so-called “elections,” news about crimes committed by former members of the so-called SVR, and other incidents.

Regarding conflicts on the national level, there is an attempt by the authorities to “smooth out” conflicts, “not provoke” the community. Thus, a picture of “friendship among nations” and peaceful coexistence of national minorities and the indigenous population in the centers of Russia is created.

For example, in Petersburg, teenagers from Uzbekistan beat a man who died on the spot. However, the case was reclassified as hooliganism, as the man died not from the beatings but from a heart attack.

Eastern Slobozhanshchyna

Despite the fact that falsifications in the elections did not meet widespread resistance from the population, there are cases of disrupting the electoral process by pouring “zelyonka” (a green antiseptic solution) into ballot boxes.

The most acute issue for the region is military actions on its territory. The events and the government’s response to the threat to the civilian population contradict the statements about “not abandoning our own,” as the locals do not receive sympathy from other regions, and the issue of military actions is not resolved by the government.

Non-governmental analytical center “Ukrainian Studies of Strategic Disquisitions” is launching a long-term project on Monitoring Regional Processes in the Russian Federation.

The research objective is to identify and analyze the dynamics of conflictogenic and disintegrative factors that contribute to the deconstruction of the Russian Federation and its disappearance as a geopolitical reality.

The project is carried out in partnership with the initiative “Anti-Imperial Bloc of Nations” and the civil organization “Ukrainian Student”.

We invite interested experts and organizations to join the partnership.

Authorial Team:

Yuriy Syrotiuk

Yuriy Oliynyk

Mykhailo Kubliy

Mykola Volhov

Mykhailo Aleksandrov

Karyna Koniayeva

Olha Yakovets

Anatoliy Maksymov

Daria Shapoval

Iryna Yevdochenko

Yaroslav Nitsoy

Mykhailo Tsyrulnyk

Translated by Oleksandr Chupak

March 2024

One of the main events that occurred in the territory between the Gulf of Finland and the Pacific Ocean in the last month was Putin’s elections. According to the results presented by the regime, they have the highest figures ever recorded. Of course, one could believe that the majority of the population voted for the current dictator, and any denial of this would appear to be a deliberate or inadvertent attempt to shift responsibility away from the residents for the war in Ukraine and solely onto the military-political leadership. However, such a high turnout and vote count are impossible, especially in regions where public protests were recently held or where distances between the nearest villages are measured in tens of kilometers. Most likely, the “for” votes were added instead of those who did not come to the polling stations. Such a high result was necessary for their authorities primarily for domestic consumption, to paint an excessively high support for governmental actions to society after all the problems caused by the war and to create an image of population consolidation around the dictator. Probably, even the authorities themselves needed such an exaggeration to feel the support for their actions. These actions resemble the attempts of their field commanders to hide problems and exaggerate the achievements that took place during the Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2022.

As for the media review by regions, as well as with the central government, there is an attempt to create an image of control over the situation, and problems are minimized.

Since elections are always a time of heightened social activity, there were attempts to organize protests in a number of regions. Actions like “Noon Against Putin” were held at polling stations, where opponents of the regime called on like-minded people to come to the polling stations at 12:00 and spoil the ballots. There were also attempts to fill voting boxes with various substances.

In the border regions with Ukraine, military actions are felt the most. If official media write about attacks by Ukrainian drones, they claim they were shot down, and fires resulting from such attacks are described without specifying the reasons. In addition, there were isolated attempts at sabotage actions, such as setting fire to substations.

The authorities are trying to exert ideological influence on youth by organizing the study of “Russian values, history, and ideology.”

More details by regions:

A) Caucasus

Rostov Oblast

Being a region close to the Ukrainian border, the consequences of the war are somewhat more pronounced here. Events occur in the region that can be interpreted as destabilizing the internal stability of the government.

There is limited information regarding subversive activities in the media. Attempts of sabotage on the energy systems of the region and lack of support for Russian troops are reported. The motives behind such actions remain a question.

It is reported that four residents of Rostov have been arrested on suspicion of setting fire to two transformer substations and planning to set fire to a major oil pipeline. (Link provided)

A fire broke out at the Novocherkassk Thermal Power Plant on the night of March 25th. Ukrainian media report that the incident was caused by Ukrainian drones attacking it. Russian media do not report the reasons, only the facts of the fire and the elimination of all consequences. (Link provided)

It is claimed that Putin garnered 90.81% of the votes in Rostov Oblast.

Stavropol Krai

In this region, Putin received 88.56% of the votes.

Propaganda promotes greater involvement of residents in supporting the war. For example, events were held in the Kislovodsk Jewish community aimed at caring for wounded Moscow soldiers. Throughout Stavropol Krai, concerts, solemn events, and “Talks about Important Things” are held in schools, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the annexation of Crimea.

Judicial repression against opponents of the war continues, including the trial of Mikhail Balabanov. Mikhail Balabanov, a native of Kazan, was arrested in Stavropol Krai in December 2022. The investigation believes that he was planning to set fire to the draft board at the behest of Ukrainian intelligence. A criminal case was initiated under the article “Preparation of a terrorist act.”

On March 19, the airport in the capital of the region ceased operations due to damage to the runway.

Karachay-Cherkessia

Putin received 90.07% of the vote in the presidential elections in this region. 90.03% of voters cast their ballots – 265,913 people.

On March 14th, the Day of the Adyghe Language and Writing was celebrated in Ingushetia. The International Circassian Association held the “Adyghe Dictation” event, which was joined by residents of Karachay-Cherkessia.

A festival of Circassian culture was held in the capital of Karachay-Cherkessia, dedicated to the Day of the Circassian Language and Writing. “This year we decided to celebrate the Day of the Circassian Language and Writing with a festive festival. We want to familiarize our children with our culture,” said a deputy of the parliament of Karachay-Cherkessia, the head of the public movement “Adige Khasse – Circassian Parliament” Ali Aslanov.

Chechnya

There are no signs of separatism or centrifugal tendencies towards Russia in Chechnya. Russian media paint a picture of complete harmony in relations between Russia and Chechnya. Voter turnout for the Russian presidential election exceeded 93% during the day and 95% by the end of the day. In the presidential elections, Chechens gave Putin nearly 99% of the vote.

Kadyrov continues to be a loyal vassal of Putin. Kadyrov maintains the appearance of fighting corruption in Chechnya.

Ingushetia

On March 12, FSB employees in Ingushetia found a hideout of militants liquidated on March 2 in Karabulak. It is reported that the liquidated militants were members of ISIS.

Putin received almost 90% of the vote in the presidential elections in Ingushetia. It was stated that refugees from Palestine could vote in the Russian presidential elections in Ingushetia.

There is an impression that everything is fine in Ingushetia: schools are opening, kindergartens are opening, water pipelines are being built, and so on. The President of Ingushetia expresses support for Russia and personally for Putin. The Ingushetia authorities are trying to cover up internal problems with a screen of foreign policy activity, for example, by sending humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Judging by the news of the liquidation of militants, there is an increase in resistance in the country.

Dagestan

In the elections, Putin garnered 92.12% of the votes. Meanwhile, the headline news was the in-absentia arrest of two Dagestanis fighting on the side of Ukraine, accused of state treason. According to the material submitted to the court, the men left Russian territory in 2012 and 2017 and moved to Ukraine.

A significant news story remains the investigation into the illegal actions of the police in Makhachkala, who killed a 35-year-old man during his arrest on January 21st. Several suspects are under arrest. This indicates the government’s attempts to demonstrate a high level of combating police lawlessness.

Governor Melikov also demonstrates protection of the interests of local residents. At his request, the Federal Fisheries Agency supported the proposal to transfer the property complex of the Arakum and Nizhno-Tersk reservoirs to the ownership of the Republic of Dagestan. At the same time, the Makhachkala court ordered the city administration to stop discharging sewage into the sea.

There is a noticeable increase in the presence of businesses and tourists from Muslim countries, especially from the UAE. In January, representatives of the UAE who arrived in Dagestan discussed the establishment of working groups for a more detailed elaboration of cooperation prospects with Dagestan. According to RIA “Derbent”, cooperation will affect tourism (a five-star hotel), medicine (medical center), and construction.

National issue: In Derbent, a poster was published before the elections, where Dagestan was called “Lezginistan.” This caused outrage among commentators for ignoring other peoples of the republic and fueling interethnic hostility.

Participation in the war: A general from Dagestan was appointed commander of the Leningrad Military District on March 12, 2024, at 10:41. The title of Hero of Russia was awarded to Esedul Abachov in 2022 for his participation in the occupation of Lysychansk.

Kalmykia

Presidential elections – turnout 80.51%. Putin received 87.17% of the votes, Kharitonov 7.70%, Davankov 2.06%, Slutsky 0.2%.

The ecological situation in the republic is deteriorating. The People’s Khural of Kalmykia passed a law on state regulation of land fertility in agricultural land use. Minister Timur Gavaev explained that now the ministry will be able to conserve pastures unsuitable for livestock farming in order to restore them using phytomeliorants.

Depopulation in Kalmykia is a very serious environmental problem. Anthropogenic impact on it will increase over time as private farms expand. Steppe fires exacerbate the situation, after which ecosystems take decades to recover, as well as a severe shortage of fresh water.

Kalmykia is one of the most depressed regions of the Russian Federation. Ethnic Kalmyks make up the majority of the population and are predominantly Buddhists by religion. The election results for Putin indicate a high protest potential; the Communist Party candidate received over 7% of the vote. The republic has long-standing independence traditions; its diaspora is part of the League of Free Nations and does not recognize the election results.

B) Idel-Ural

Mari El

There were no obvious separatist sentiments in the region during the week under review. Instead, actions aimed at strengthening the ideology and power of Moscow took place. The center continues to implement programs aimed at ideological education of children. The region also boasts an increase in the economic well-being of residents. Residents of the region are being sent to war in Ukraine. However, the deceased resident by the name is an ethnic Russian. During the elections last weekend, rallies “Noon against Putin” took place in a number of Volga regions, during which dissenters were called upon to come to the polling stations at 12 o’clock and vote against or spoil the ballots. The central repressive authorities even reacted with threats to participants in such actions. However, there was no information specifically from Mari El that such an action took place.

Tatarstan

The authorities of Tatarstan have prepared a draft amendment to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation to be sent to the State Duma, which allows for the employment of teenagers from the age of 16 in hazardous and dangerous industries. Students in Yelabuga are already working in the assembly of Iranian drones.

Events in Tatarstan indicate problems with labor legislation, finances, and labor safety. For example, the draft amendment to the Labor Code, which allows for the employment of teenagers in hazardous industries, has caused outrage among the population. The budget deficit of Tatarstan and the conflict over compensating a worker who was injured in construction indicate serious economic and social problems.

Republic of Mordovia

Part of the population welcomes the state plans of the Russian Federation for the reconstruction of buildings and roads in various cities. They consider themselves part of the federation, believe they are part of it, and support state policy: children in schools make things for soldiers, humanitarian aid is collected. Also, people are actively involved in commemorating the terrorist attack in Krokus.

C) Siberia and the Far East

Presidential Elections in the North

For three days – from March 15th to 17th – elections without choice were held in Russia. In Yakutia and Chukotka, almost 100% voter turnout was recorded. Overall, the voting process went fairly smoothly and calmly. Only a few small acts of direct action were noted: in Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk Krai, attempts were made to pour or at least attempt to pour brilliant green dye into the ballot boxes. In the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, an attempt to burn the ballots was recorded. A nationwide action “Noon against Putin” took place, especially in Chukotka.

“In Novosibirsk, 13 people will be tried for setting fire to relay cabinets” – perhaps this was opposition to the war, and theoretically, there could have been weapons on trains. In Altai Krai, a blogger was detained for “anti-Russian content” because he supported Ukraine in his Telegram channel. Also, a school student from Krasnoyarsk is suspected of being involved in more than 20 bomb threats.

Extreme North of Russia and the so-called “L/DNR”: Cooperation Intensifies

Several recent reports indicate that cooperation between northern regions of the federation and terrorist entities in Russia’s Ukrainian Donbas is increasing.

Firstly: collaborators from Donetsk are being taken for training to Siberia. Specifically, to Krasnoyarsk Krai.

Secondly: doctors from Yakutia are working in the “L/DNR” (Dokuchaievsk).

Thirdly: Chukotka delivered humanitarian aid to Novoluhanske near Debaltseve.

Bonus: People from the occupied Moskovite Kherson region are “offered” evacuation to Tyumen.

Economy and Culture: The Republic of Komi will receive funds, new Yakut films, encyclopedia of indigenous peoples

It is currently known that reindeer herding economies in Komi will receive additional funding. At the same time, it is reported that the average salary in Komi will be 50 thousand rubles ($542, 21 thousand UAH), ranking 14th. An additional 4 million rubles will be allocated for tourism in the republic.

In Yakutia, several films will be released in March: “Abasylakh Khaus”, “Secrets of Tuman Island”, “Timyr”. On January 29th, it was announced that the annual international film festival of indigenous peoples Skábmagovat is taking place in the cultural capital of Finland, the village of Inari. Five Yakut works are participating from Russia. These are all short films: “Cuckoo”, “Bull of Cold”, “Ayy Ku”, “Hinkelten”, and “Süppüt suruktar”.

Also, in Yakutia, a new film about survival in the wilderness will be released. This is a true story about Karina Chikitova and her puppy Naida. And in Chukotka, a digital encyclopedia of the culture and languages of indigenous peoples will be released.

Primorsky Krai

The governors fulfilled the task assigned to them to maximize voter turnout in the elections. Pro-government “experts” note that the history of the Far Eastern protests is now in the past.

According to aggregated data, after processing 90% of the protocols in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD), 86.61% of voters cast their votes for Putin (in Russia – 87.21%). Thus, the incumbent president improved his result in the region by almost 20% compared to 2018.

The authorities feel threatened by supporters of former Governor Furgal of Khabarovsk Krai, and repression against them has been intensified. The Khabarovsk Krai court granted the prosecutor’s lawsuit and recognized the movement “I/WE Sergey Furgal” as an extremist organization.

On February 15th, the police conducted a search at the home of activist and blogger Oleg Pankov from Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The 58-year-old former deputy was arrested in connection with a case of “discrediting the army” and taken to Khabarovsk.

Two emergencies occurred simultaneously in the Amur region:

Thirteen miners were trapped in a mine.

In Blagoveshchensk, a fruit kiosk was set on fire on ethnic grounds after the terrorist attack in “Krokus.” The mayor hinted at a connection with Ukraine.

Republic of Buryatia

Voter turnout in the elections was 73.72%. Allegedly, 87.96% voted for Putin.

There are noticeable economic problems. Buryatia ranks second to last among all Far Eastern regions in terms of wage growth. The top three leaders include the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, where employers started offering 34,507 rubles more than the previous year, the Jewish Autonomous Oblast (+26,383 rubles), and the Magadan Oblast (+26,116 rubles).

Mobilization is increasing, with many reports coming from the Selenginsky District.

Tuva

Voter turnout for Putin in the elections was 95.59%.

On March 25th, Tuva was visited by Anatoly Serishev, the authorized representative of the President in the Siberian Federal District.

Tuva is the most depressed region in Russia. It showed one of the highest turnouts and results for Putin in the elections. Elections to the Supreme Khural (parliament) are expected in September. The Minister of Defense, Sergey Shoigu, has a significant influence on local politics.

E) Central Regions

Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast

On one hand, it is currently impossible to assert the existence of any centrifugal or federalist tendencies in Saint Petersburg. On the contrary, most news demonstrates the adherence of local elites and citizens of Petersburg to the course of the center. On the other hand, attention should be paid to the existing conflict situations, especially in the national sphere, which contribute to the exacerbation of interethnic conflicts in Petersburg as the second center of Russia. It is also necessary to consider the resistance to the so-called “elections,” news about crimes committed by former members of the so-called SVR, and other incidents.

Regarding conflicts on the national level, there is an attempt by the authorities to “smooth out” conflicts, “not provoke” the community. Thus, a picture of “friendship among nations” and peaceful coexistence of national minorities and the indigenous population in the centers of Russia is created.

For example, in Petersburg, teenagers from Uzbekistan beat a man who died on the spot. However, the case was reclassified as hooliganism, as the man died not from the beatings but from a heart attack.

Eastern Slobozhanshchyna

Despite the fact that falsifications in the elections did not meet widespread resistance from the population, there are cases of disrupting the electoral process by pouring “zelyonka” (a green antiseptic solution) into ballot boxes.

The most acute issue for the region is military actions on its territory. The events and the government’s response to the threat to the civilian population contradict the statements about “not abandoning our own,” as the locals do not receive sympathy from other regions, and the issue of military actions is not resolved by the government.

The project is carried out in partnership with the initiative “Anti-Imperial Bloc of Nations” and the civil organization “Ukrainian Student”.

We invite interested experts and organizations to join the partnership.

Authorial Team:

Yuriy Syrotiuk

Yuriy Oliynyk

Mykhailo Kubliy

Mykola Volhov

Mykhailo Aleksandrov

Karyna Koniayeva

Olha Yakovets

Anatoliy Maksymov

Daria Shapoval

Iryna Yevdochenko

Yaroslav Nitsoy

Mykhailo Tsyrulnyk

Translated by Oleksandr Chupak