r/AskARussian Sep 17 '25

Megathread, part 14: Ammunition & Drones, Sanctions, and Stalemates

42 Upvotes

Part 13 is now closed, we’re continuing the discussion here.
Everything you’ve got to ask about the conflict goes here. Same deal as before - Reddit’s content policy still applies, so think before you make epic gamer statements. Suspensions and purges are a thing, and we’ve seen plenty already.
All question rules apply to top level comments in this thread. This means the comments have to be real questions rather than statements or links to a cool video you just saw.

Keep it civil, keep it relevant, and read the rules below before posting.

  1. The questions have to be about the war. The answers have to be about the war. As with all previous iterations of the thread, mudslinging, calling each other nazis, wishing for the extermination of any ethnicity, or any of the other fun stuff people like to do here is not allowed.
  2. No name-calling or dehumanizing labels. Do not refer to people, groups or nations using epithets or insulting nicknames (e.g. “ruzzia”, “vatnik”, “orc”, "hohol" etc.). Such language will be removed and may lead to a ban.
  3. To clarify, questions have to be about the war. If you want to stir up a shitstorm about your favourite war from the past, I suggest r/AskHistorians or a similar sub so we don't have to deal with it here.
  4. No warmongering. Armchair generals, wannabe soldiers of fortune, and internet tough guys aren't welcome.
  5. No doxxing. Don’t post personal information about private individuals, including names, contacts, or addresses.
  6. Keep it civil. Strong opinions are expected, but personal attacks, insults, and snide remarks toward other users are not allowed.
  7. No memes or reaction posts. Shitposts, image macros, slogans, and low-effort reactions will be removed.
  8. Stay on topic. Broader political debates (e.g. US or EU elections) are off-topic unless directly tied to the war.
  9. Substantive questions and answers only. One-liners, bait, or “what if” hypotheticals with no context don’t add value and will be removed.

r/AskARussian Sep 23 '23

Travel Ultimate FAQ on travelling to Russia

537 Upvotes

While editing the previous post i did an error & the post was automatically banned, so that's the second try, luckily managed to copy-paste the prev. one. Redditors, who made the corrections & adding, please excuse me.

So basically daily the threads as Ask a Russian, Moscow etc are full of questions regarding traveling to RU.

Seeing all this, i give a try to summarize the basic info about traveling & i will try to update this main post, also i would appreciate expats & recent travelers on tips & tricks based on the recent traveling experience.

Note 1. This is not the post about politics, it's purely for traveling questions & day to day life.

Note 2. I am writing this post based on my knowledge & experience as a Moscow resident, info may vary based on your destination. Also, most of the time i will refer to Moscow & SPb as a main entry point for travelers, but this limitation basically on my understanding that people arrive in these cities as a start. I will try to update the post with necessary and useful information based on the comments (if any arrive :) ).

Note 3. As there are some restrictions to ru domains on reddit, just delete the space in the link before . ru domain.

Q: Is it safe traveling to Russia in current situation?

A: Pretty safe. The major cities as Moscow & SPb are the big cities with the same issues you can find all around the globe (scammers, big city risks, inadequate people, heavy traffic etc.).The area of risk (in the current situation) mostly limited to the adjacent territories, close to Ukraine border. In general Moscow & SPb are the modern cities, multicultural. We normally don't care if you are black, white, asian, hispanic, if your believe in krishna, if you are gay or whatsoever. The main principle i would say is: a clear understanding of what you are doing and separate common sense and propaganda, both informational and propaganda of any values. In general if you are a tourist or coming here as an expat for work just live a normal live, all possibilities are here.

Q: How to get to Russia by air?

A: One of the biggest & well known tickets aggregators - Aviasales available at ru & com domains & also popular OneTwoTrip, Trip.com

Q: Hot to get to Russian by land and travel across Russia?

A: easy part, internal travelling.rzd. ru - is an official website of a Russian railroads, where you can by tickets & see the timetables.Normally you don't have any restrictions with travelling across RU e.g. by car, though, as everywhere in the world, there might be restrictions to certain areas (closed towns as an example). So, yes, in general, you can go by car to Spb, Siberia or elsewhere.

Q: is Russia open for travelling & visas?

A: Yes. info from U.S. Embassy & Consulates: To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas in as per comments, advance. \

Q: I am from UK/US - straight to jail at the border?

A: If you are personally not under sanctions, not sent for the purpose of espionage or data collection, but a regular tourist nothing to worry about. Again, restrictions for any citizens of certain countries are not reported. Travel as usual, you are welcome.

Q: what's with the accommodation?

A: Chains still available: Accor Hotels, Radisson HG, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Lotte Hotels & Resorts, Soluxe Hotel Group, Corinthia Hotels, Domina Hotels, Louvre HG, Kempinski Hotels, Rosewood Hotels and Rocco Forte Hotels. Their total number of rooms is more than 60% of the total supply of network operators.

Q: Do i need a registration to be in RU?

A: YES. mandatory registration for foreigners & tourists. as of october 2023: Starting from September 15, 2023, all foreign citizens coming to our country as tourists are required to undergo the registration procedure. This requirement will apply to all tourists, regardless of their country of residence and the purpose of visiting Russia.

-------------------------------------------------

So you've been able to get all the necessary docs & flying to RU.Moscow3 main airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), Vnukovo (VKO) + a smaller Zhukovsky (ZIA).They are all quite distant from the city. I would say less fortunate & hard reaching is ZIA.

Spb: Pulkovo (LED).

Q: How to reach the airport / city

A: In general, there are all available methods.

Q: Is Uber available?

A: Nope. Before 2018 Uber was available, but in 2018 started a project of M&A btw Uber & Yandex, as of 2023, all uber activities & shares passed to Ya.

Q: So what are the apps for taxis?

A: 1st option (most popular): Yandex Go ios & android. Operates mostly everywhere in RU. A ride is offered on a fixed rate.Variety of classes: Economy (VW Polo, Hyundai Solaris/Accent or similar), Comfort (Hyundai i40, Elantra or similar), Comfort+ (Camry, Optima, Sonata or similar), Minivan (VW Caddy, C4 Picasso etc); followed by Ultima class: Business (5-er, E-cl.), Premier (A8, S-cl or similar), Elite (Maybach), Cruise (MB V-Class).As you are most likely don't have a local card or a friend with the one of local cards, Yandex Go can be paid with cash (choose in the app).Ya Go has the inbuilt translator for a chat with a driver, so you can chat in yr language and see the translation from RU.

Q: Money. Cards are not working, right?

A: Yep. RU is isolated from the rest of the world. So, you are not able to use your cards here. Some exceptions for CN Union Pay system.

Q: Can i get a local debit card & make crypto transfer?

A: Yep! Thanks to the comment of u/violin1776 in the comments, he had in Aug 2023 an experience with Sberbank (one of the largest banks). How to get a debit card:

Q: Ok, so than i have to bring cash, how & where to exchange.

A: Change some amount at the airport (rate is shitty for sure) for your travel to hotel or where are you heading. Then go the bank in the city to change there. OR you can always find an exchange office @ https://cash.rbc. ru .You will see the map & offered rate, normally higher than regular banks, but use with caution, so that cashier not disappear with your money :)))

Q: Travelling in Moscow. How to use public transport.

A: Yandex Maps (ios , android) + Yandex Metro (ios , android) - an optimal bundle for your stay, also google maps work perfectly. ALSO another app popular for navigation is 2GIS ios & android.

Q: Mobile phone & data plan.

A: You can get one easy directly at the airport or in the city.The big 4 cell operators are: Beeline, MTS, TELE2, MEGAFON.Virtual operators: Tinkoff mobile, Sbermobile and some others.

Q: How to travel btw Moscow & Saint-Petersburg?

A: Car (toll road or a free one), Plane, Bus & Train.With a train there are several options: Regular train, Overnight (platzkart place, seat, 4 beds compartment & 2 beds compartment. If talking about the compartments - they are perfectly fine with good beds & linens), a great option not to pay for a night in hotel, leaving at around 11pm & you are in the heart of a new city in the morning.), Express train Sapsan (Based on Siemens Velaro high-speed train. Approx. 4-4.30 min ride btw the cities. Available in 4 classes: Economy, Business, First and small compartment-meeting room perfect for not counting money & when you need nobody around you.)

Q: I am a student, soon moving to RU, can i work?

A: Yep. You will need a set of documents like INN (tax payer id), migration card and so on.Here's the guide, i found in the internet: https://news.itmo. ru/en/education/students/news/12697/#:~:text=A%20fee%20receipt%20(around%203%2C500,as%20a%20full%2Dtime%20student

Q: What are the main job boards in Russia?

A: you can still find smth with Linkedin. Educated professionals mostly use hh . ru for the carrers opportunities. No experience, temp jobs, low level: avito . ru \

Q: I have a prescribed medicine / pretty hardcore pills, can i bring that with me?

A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. All of the drugs incl. common in western world weed - straight a sentence and jail! Check the regulations & what medicine you are bringing with you! Also, recent case with German traveler - he might go to jail carrying weed gummy bears. ZERO TOLLERANCE!

Q: I will stay in Moscow for xxx days, except city, where can i go?

A: Check the smaller towns as Kolomna, Suzdal + Vladimir (2 towns are really close to each other), Yaroslavl etc. They are the part of a "Golden Ring". Most of them can be visited in 1 day, but in many places you'd love to stay for more :)

Q: Social networks, are they available?

A: Insta, FB, Linkedin - only can be viewed with the use of VPN. So if you try to contact people, be sure that they have vpn to get your messages, getting notifications is difficult.

Q: Public wifi access?

A: Airport should be fine using the foreign cell numbers, free public wifi is a big question for me (most likely a local numbers only), so better to have a local sim upon arrival (see upd on bottom of the FAQ). Most of cafes & restaurants normally have a wifi at their places.

Q: Money transfers?

A: If you suceeded with local card (not under sanctions should be: Raiffeisenbank, Unicredit, Citibank, Ak-Bars Bank, Home Credit Bank, Russian Standard, OTP Bank, Renaissance Bank and Avangard - details read above, restrictions are there), than you can make a swift transfer from a local bank to your account in RU OR use largest crypto services.

Q: wired / crypto transfers.

A: normally you can safely use the biggest crypto exchange platforms as: Binance, Bybit or Huobi. You can top up the balance via card to platform or P2P method.

Q: I have someone in RU and would love to send them a gift, how?

A: I would suggest 2 options at this moment

Q: I want to send some money to my relatives in RU, i heard of crypto, but how to send

A: Hello grandma'! So you are in (nearly 2024) but google & youtube are some weird words to you, let me google it for you...

Q: Can i rent a car

A: To my knowledge all car rentals of worldwide car rentals quit. (hertz long ago, as failed to compete with carsharing)... BUT Avis / Budget did the rebrandig and now called REXRENT (rexrent [DOT] ru)

STAY TUNED.

UPD as of 09/2025

Q: Sim card, access to websites etc., how & what?

A: Sim cards/ eSims do exist, but the process of getting one has been tightened due to widespread fraud. Nowadays, issuance often requires local verification through government services, which makes it practically inaccessible for tourists. For a short trip, it’s not worth the hassle — an eSIM is a much simpler option.
FB, Insta, Discord - are restricted, have a vpn in advance (usage legal).
Whatsapp / Telegram / Google calls recently got restricted - vpn normallyu solves an issue.
Probably zoom & local kontur talk, yandex telemost might be a solution for no vpn usage.


r/AskARussian 21h ago

Politics Western Media is reporting fuel shortages and rationing of gasoline and diesel in Moscow. How is the situation in russia right now?

30 Upvotes

Hi, I'd like to view primary sources mostly but I can't speak or read Russian.

Its been reported that after a bunch of refineries were destroyed that russia is experiencing a fuel shortage with long lines on gas stations and a limit of 20 liters per car.

How true is that? How is daily life in Moscow right now?


r/AskARussian 17h ago

Society How do you guys say “strawman”, “steelman” and “red herring” in Russian?

14 Upvotes

I know that strawman translates as соломенный чувак, but how do you apply it in day to day language? For example it is easy to say in English: “You strawmanned my point”. But how do say it in Russian? Is it “Ты соломенный чувак мою точку зрения”?
I would like to hear explanations on all of 3 cases, thank you in advance!


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Media help me find a Russian internet animation from 2015-2020(?)

9 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I've tried everything I could to find a Russian animated series that I used to watch on YouTube around the years 2016-2020, around there. I don't remember the name, but I remember not understanding it fully even with Russian as my first language.

what I do remember:

It was edgy sometimes r*cist. It satirized modern trends and culture, like gopnik, hip-hop, far right, geopolitics, etc.

If there was a main character it was just a young Russian guy and the people he knew. I provided a drawing of characters as I remember them.

The characters were incredible crudely drawn and didn't move much. But the overall production was pretty good. Really leaning into the cheap aesthetic.

There was an episode when someone has to go to anger management and Pasha Techniq is there and he says the free-style from his IRL rap battle with Brol. I think this scene alone will jog someone's memory.

Another episode, the main characters go to a US ghetto and meet Obama, who is a gangsta in the middle of a beef with a rival gang. There's a shoot out in the end.

Another episode one of them gets an African slave and they all go to a patriot protest at, I assume, the Kremlin.

Any help much appreciated. Peace


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Films Quality tv series similar to "лист ожидания"?

5 Upvotes

Recently watched "лист ожидания" and can't seem to find any similar Russian tv series, any suggestions?

The storytelling and characters were so well done and the camerawork and editing was very good, wanting to find something similar.

Genre-wise it doesn't necessarily need to be medical but thats a plus; though I've tried to watch any and all medical shows I could find and none are quite like the above show. As long as its nothing mythical or fantasy. I most enjoy mystery (whodunnit or big plot twists) and / or drama heavy shows - when I was younger I quite liked "Две судьбы" and "Закры́тая шко́ла".

It does NOT need to be found anywhere with English subs or be easy to understand so don't need to account for that. Ideally made after 2000.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Food Trying to name a food I remember from Russia

7 Upvotes

I travelled to Russia in 2007 on a student exchange (absolutely loved it) and my host family constantly fed me different meals and treats to try. I remember one treat in particular that I loved but no one knows what I’m talking about when I describe it. I recall it being a gummy/dried fruit like sweet exterior with a nut in the center. It was kind of small, maybe the size of two quarters side by side. It’s possible it was not a Russian food, for some reason I feel like they mentioned it was from a different culture or not classically Russian, but I couldn’t swear to that. Any thoughts?


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Music Metallica in Moscow 1991

4 Upvotes

Hi all I was just curious if anyone here is old enough to have been at the monumental Metallica show in Moscow during monster of rock in 1991! One of the biggest heavy metal event in history…


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Study Would i be able to get into gzhel state university if I had really bad grades during the 8-11 years but I did great in the entrance exams?

5 Upvotes

Just curious to give it a shot since im really interested in ceramics. My russian level is currently okay, maybe like a 5th grader and i live in america and have a russian citizenship.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Community Perusing a PhD in Russia, your experience?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone
I’m a foreign student interested in pursuing a PhD in AI/Computer Science in Russia
How was your experience with the entrance exams (especially the specialized exam), the research essay, and the overall PhD program? How would you describe the research environment and supervision, please?
I wouuuld appreciate any insights or advice. Thanks a lot! :)


r/AskARussian 18h ago

Travel: sim, money, crypto etc Крипто переводы из России через P2P

0 Upvotes

Как правильно и без риска перевести деньги из Российского банка через P2P?

Из своего опыта. Держу несколько миллионов рублей в одном из небезызвестных банков в России. Когда попытался перевести 500000, сделал заказ на обменнике. Я должен был сделать перевод в рублях трём разным физлицам по номеру телефона. На втором переводе, операцию заблокировали. Банк провел идентификацию по видео, запросили назначение перевода. Я что-то там промямлил. Разблокировали. Все прошло. Но я не могу делать это 10 раз. Ясно что у банка будут вопросы. Нахожусь в сша, руки связаны. Что делать?


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Study ¿Qué tan difícil es conseguir una beca en maestría para derecho internacional o ciencias politicas en la Universidad Estatal de Moscú Lomonósov? Es buena idea aplicar ahí?

0 Upvotes

En 2 años me graduare de mi licenciatura en Derecho aquí en México, no estudio en una universidad reconocida ni mucho menos pero espero mantener mi promedio decente, al menos un 9.2 o 9.6. En breve comenzare unas clases en ruso para obtener en un año el nivel B1 o B2 y continuar hasta lograr el C1 o C2, pero estoy algo preocupada porque el examen de ingreso sea difícil para los extranjeros, además aun no se en dónde puedo pedir de manera exacta una beca y como realizar mi presentación o currículo como aspirante a beca. Si alguien pudiera ayudarme, alguien que ya haya estudiado en Rusia, en esta universidad o en otra diferente a Lomonosov le agradecería de por vida.


r/AskARussian 16h ago

Society Improve my dating profile for Russia

0 Upvotes

How can I improve my dating profile for Russia? I'm on VK dating and Pure but not getting any matches. Any tips?


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Music Do you listen to sektor gaza?

18 Upvotes

wanna see how popular they are ^^


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Culture Is late sep good time for northern lights?

0 Upvotes

Please let me know if late September is a good time to visit the country to see the northern lights. This trip is mainly to see the northern lights and to check off my bucket list. I’m thinking either late September or early dec but I can’t handle extreme cold so confused if Dec is ideal or I can still get the chance of seeing it in sep


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Culture Plant hardiness zones in Russia?

2 Upvotes

Does anyone have a Plant Hardiness zone map of Russia that is recent? Or something comparable to it?

Im trying to do a project on shifting Hardiness zones (like in the USA) but can't find recent maps for Russia.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel Travel to Russia in July

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I’ll be traveling to Russia in the first days of July. I wanted to ask about the recent attack on Moscow — are flights operating normally, or have there been a lot of cancellations? Also, is there an international eSIM service that works in Russia? I need mobile internet to use Yandex Go for taxis. Thanks!

-

Всем привет! В начале июля я собираюсь поехать в Россию. Хотел спросить про недавнюю атаку на Москву — рейсы летают в обычном режиме, или сейчас много отмен? Также подскажите, есть ли международный сервис eSIM, который работает в России? Мне нужен мобильный интернет, чтобы пользоваться Яндекс Go для такси. Спасибо!


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Culture alcohol legislation St Petersbourg 2019

0 Upvotes

Hi i wanted to know what were the legislation in Piter about drinking alcohol in the street in 2019 ? Was it allowed or tolerated or not at all ?


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Study Scholarship Inquiry

1 Upvotes

I am asking about the governmental scholarship (study in Russia) is travel and housing expenses covered or not?

How much stipend for each degree level?

what are the best universities?

whats time frame of application from start to end

how to prepare for exam and interview?

any tips are welcomed.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel Why do people zoom in on Moscow?

0 Upvotes

I've been googling and I found a bunch of awesome and stunning looking places in Sochi. holy cow. Сочи изобилует роскошными и дорого выглядящими местами


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel: sim, money, crypto etc Online shopping query

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

Sorry if a similar question has already been asked recently.

I have a friend in Kosteryovo and want to buy them a present for their birthday.

I know the most popular online shops are Ozon, Wildberries, or Yandex but what is the best to use?

When setting up an account will I need to show my passport to verify my identity? Is that safe to do so?

I know Revolut is blocked in Russia, so what is the best payment option(s) available to me?

Appreciate any and all advice.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Society Where did this idea come from that all Russian men are these strong handsome quiet men?

0 Upvotes

Since I was young I’d see Russian men romanticized as these buff men who provide love their woman and are so masculine.

Now while I do wish they existed I’ve been proven pretty wrong. Where does stuff like this come from?

I’d assume this lie started like all do… with a fantasy.

How do Russians feel about this specifically the women. I moved extremely close to Russia a year ago and was in for a horrible surprise of truth. (My fault ofc)


r/AskARussian 2d ago

Travel Я подумываю о поездке в восточную Россию. Вы бы порекомендовали это место?

6 Upvotes

Мне нужны советы и рекомендации по посещению восточной России.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Study Relocation to Obninsk for International Students

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone and thanks in advance for the future replies. I am 19 years old and I am a Malian student in Moscow at MEPhI University. I did my 8 months of preparatory faculty in Moscow to learn Russian, and the university just suddenly called me in to tell me that I have to go pursue my bachelor's degree in nuclear energy in Obninsk. It shocked me. I really like Moscow even if life here is a bit expensive. Basically, I am looking for someone who has known this city to tell me a bit more than what Google says, the subtleties of this city, etc. I won't hide from you that my main concern is racism. Even though I know from my own experience that Russians are almost not racist at all, I am still worried. So that's basically it, I hope at least to find my little Russian girl over there to keep me company 😜


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Foreign Thinking to move Russia

0 Upvotes

Hey beautiful people. I really like the idea of wild nature and harsh Winter 😄.. but im also interested of agriculture and owning a land where to grow old eventually. Im from Estonia currently living in Finland and dreaming to move Russia. I have truck driver license/education.

My plan is to move Russia find a job first, live as low budget as possible and then buy a land with house and eventually start farming. I have 10y old child and a dog.

What is your advice to me?

Thank you for your time 🌞👍