Three Years On: How Trump’s Unexpected Role Emerges Amidst the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

By Steve Rosenberg, Russia Editor

Driving through Tver, the presence of soldiers immediately grabs my attention. They’re all around—on billboards, buildings, and even at bus stops. The messages are clear: “Hero of Russia.” Pictures of troops with rifles urge citizens to “Love, be proud of and defend” Russia. The underlying message? Enlist and fight in Ukraine. After three years since the invasion started, Russia is actively looking for new recruits.

Despite the military imagery, life in Tver feels surprisingly normal. The front line is far away. “Look around,” says Mikhail, a local teacher. “Cars are moving, shops are open. There are no sirens, no panic.” For many Russians, the war in Ukraine, which the Kremlin refers to as a “special military operation,” feels far removed from everyday life; it’s something they mostly see on TV.

But for people like Anna, the war is much more immediate. “I know many who went to fight,” she tells me on the street. “Some never came back. I just hope this war ends soon.”

Anna reflects on America’s diplomatic efforts regarding the conflict. “Trump seems unpredictable,” she says. “I don’t know what to expect from him.” In Tver, some locals echo the government’s narrative from state media, claiming Russia is a protector of its people in Ukraine. Still, there’s a sense that not everyone believes this version of events.

“In any society, many people go along with the mainstream,” explains Andrei Kolesnikov, a columnist. “If the mainstream is pro-war, it’s easier for people to adopt that viewpoint. It’s a way of avoiding the uncomfortable truths about what’s really happening.”

Some residents, like Larissa and her husband, fully embrace the official line. “We support the military operation,” they say, expressing hopes for victory and Ukraine’s complete defeat. They haven’t volunteered yet, but their words indicate strong support for the war.

As we speak, police arrive, responding to a report of “suspicious-looking people with a camera.” They’re polite but curious about our presence, questioning our driver and checking documents. While this is happening, a crew from state TV shows up, eager to know what’s going on.

The incident lasts about an hour and underscores a growing skepticism toward Western influences in Russia. People in Tver seem to hope for an end to the conflict, looking for economic relief as prices soar. Yulia, cradling her baby, shares her frustration over rising food costs. “Prices for essentials are sky-high,” she laments.

Mikhail believes Trump lacks a clear strategy for peace. “He’s an improviser. We’re all in the dark,” he comments. Many in Tver are waiting for a resolution to the conflict, hoping for a brighter economic future amidst uncertainty.

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