'Nobody asked for war': Russians defy Putin with online messages

People risk harsh penalties to express anger and fear over Ukraine invasion

20220318N Russian war protest

Those posting antiwar messages from Russia hide their faces to protect themselves.

YUMI KOTANI, HARUE MATSUSHIMA and TOMOYO OGAWA, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Some Russians are turning to social media to express opposition to their country's invasion of Ukraine even as Russian authorities clamp down on free speech.

Nikkei sent direct messages to 45 individuals who tweeted with the hashtag #StandWithUkraine from within Russia, and received replies from 11. They were asked how they gather information about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, how their lifestyles have changed since the fighting began, what they think about the war, and what others around them are saying about it.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.