Admitting harsh effect of sanctions, Russians say they are ready to withstand them

By Elena Teslova and Emre Gurkan Abay

MOSCOW (AA) - Russians are expecting difficulties due to the economic sanctions imposed on Russia amid its war on Ukraine, but largely say they can weather problems and will be able to cope with the consequences.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, a psychologist said she has many Russian-speaking clients abroad and fears that if Russia is cut off from the global internet, she will no longer be able to work with them.

"As for the rest, my work will not be affected, because help being mentally healthy is always needed, especially in time of crisis," said the psychologist, who declined to be named, along with other Russians interviewed for this story.

A sales consultant working for the Chinese company Huawei, whose work entering the Russian market he praised, said in fact he sees the sanctions boomeranging on the West.

"Sanctions are harmful for (Western countries) in the first place,” he commented.

“They introduce sanctions against us and we sit quietly and calmly, we observe silently, because they are hurting themselves.”

An entrepreneur from Moscow said he expects all investments to be frozen for the time being, as prices have skyrocketed, and even the fate of deliveries is unclear.

"I have to look for a different business, at least for some time," he said.

However, he said that Russians are able to adapt to new conditions, citing historical examples of times of dire straits for Russia which the people bravely endured and overcame.

"A Russian man adapts to everything. So I think everything will be all right," he said.

A bartender in Moscow said he expects things to get worse over the next six months, adding that he puts his hopes in China and Turkiye, two countries which have enjoyed closer relations with Russia in recent years.

"China and Turkiye are with us. I hope they come up with something. We don't need the rest," he said.

He also said that countries which imposed sanctions on Russia may well regret it, as oil and gas prices are soaring.

"I don’t support the war, but I think outsiders didn’t have to interfere," he said.

However, he did not rule out leaving Russia, saying he is considering majority-Muslim countries as he is a Muslim himself, with Turkiye first on his list.

"I have a lot of friends in Turkiye, and I chose it not because I can go there but because I want to go there. And I like (Turkish President) Recep Tayyip Erdogan," the bartender said.

Two students from a state university echoed the general resilience, saying they are not fearful of an absence of work, but do believe that due to sanctions some of the comforts of life will be lacking.

Russia's war on Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow, and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia, including McDonalds and Starbucks over the last 24 hours.