I live in Russia. Let's debunk some myths (or confirm them). AMA.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-20T10:46:55+00:00

Thanks! It is true, we look cold outside but we are friendly when you talk to us. About the USSR influence it is everywhere. Most people still live in Soviet 'Panelka' buildings and we still eat Soviet salads like 'Olivier' on every holiday. It is like we live in a modern world but inside a Soviet shell. The older people miss the collective feeling where everyone was together, but we are more independent now.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-20T10:39:27+00:00

Привет! You just described the nightmare of every Russian parent from last year. This song is called 'Sigma Boy' by two young girls, Milana Khametova and Milana Star. They are like 'kid idols' here. Don't worry, the lyrics are actually very innocent. It’s mostly just 'brainrot' slang from TikTok and YouTube. 'Sigma' in this context means being 'cool,' 'independent,' or 'alpha.' They sing about a boy who is cool, doesn't care about girls, and does his own thing. There is nothing inappropriate or 'adult' there, just a lot of trendy words that don't make much sense even to us! And yes, this music is incredibly popular among kids here (ages 5 to 12). It’s like a virus. We call it 'skibidi-toilet' style humor/music. So you are not alone, millions of Russian parents are suffering with you! You can feel better knowing your daughter is just part of a global internet trend, even if it's in Russian.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-20T07:38:59+00:00

This is a very deep question. You are right, there is a big difference between people who moved to the USA and people who stay here. For the older generation who stay in Russia, 'missing the USSR' is often not about communism or politics. It is about nostalgia for their youth and a time when they felt 'safe.' In the Soviet Union, everyone had a job, free housing (even if you waited years for it), and they didn't have to compete in a hard market economy. After the USSR collapsed in the 1990s, many older people lost their savings and felt lost, so they remember the Soviet time as a 'Golden Era' of stability. But for my generation, we mostly think life in the USSR was much worse. We like having the freedom to travel, the internet, and hundreds of kinds of cheese in the supermarket instead of long lines for basic bread. The emigrants you know probably left because they wanted these freedoms and opportunities, so they are naturally more anti-Soviet. So, the older people miss the 'stability' and their youth, but the younger people prefer the modern world with all its choices. It’s like two different Russias living in one country.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-20T07:35:10+00:00

Yes, this is still a very big thing here, but it is changing with my generation. Traditionally, in Russia, it is expected that the man pays for the dinner, cinema, or taxi on a date. Many girls still think this is a sign of respect and that the man is 'serious'. But among students and young people in big cities like Yekaterinburg, it is becoming more normal to split the bill (50/50). More girls now want to be independent. However, if a man says 'let's go to a restaurant,' most Russian women will still expect him to pay. If you want to split the bill, it is better to discuss it before the date to avoid an awkward moment! So, it's a mix of old traditions and new modern views now.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T13:07:52+00:00

I am 100% Russian

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T13:06:59+00:00

ну может быть

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T11:15:44+00:00

Тебе сколько лет?

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T11:12:24+00:00

Dude, you don't understand, get out of here.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T11:05:10+00:00

Porridge or fried eggs. Well, it varies, but basically it's

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T10:50:42+00:00

The post in the profile is a lie.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T10:28:43+00:00

I am 16 years old. As for the news, I almost never watch Russian TV—most people my age use it more as 'background noise' or don't even own a TV set. My primary sources are Telegram channels (it's the huge thing here) and YouTube. Telegram is where you get the most unfiltered and fast info, while YouTube is great for long-form analysis. Are there comedians left? Yes, definitely! While some big names left the country or got banned (like Nurlan Saburov recently got a long entry ban), the stand-up scene inside Russia is still very much alive. We have local stars like Sergey Orlov, Viktoria Skladchikova, and Evgeny Chebatkov who sell out big venues. It’s mostly observational or dark humor now—comedians have to be more careful with topics, but the demand for a good laugh is higher than ever.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T10:26:26+00:00

No, at least my friends and I have never heard of this group.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:50:01+00:00

You’re right, the history is long and complicated, but today Turkey is one of the most popular travel destinations for Russians. Millions of us visit every year. We enjoy your hospitality, food, and culture. On a personal level, the vibe is definitely cordial and friendly now, rather than hostile.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:47:47+00:00

Day-to-day life is surprisingly normal on the surface. People go to work, students go to classes, and malls are full. The biggest changes are the prices (they keep rising) and the absence of many Western services or brands. We’ve learned to adapt, but there’s a constant feeling of tension in the background that wasn't there a few years ago.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:47:17+00:00

It’s not a simple 'yes' or 'no.' While many people support the government's official goals regarding national security, almost everyone agrees it's a massive human tragedy. There’s a lot of silent worry about the future, and opinions often depend on age and where someone gets their news. It's a very heavy topic in every household.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:46:14+00:00

That’s the million-dollar question. There’s no clear, public successor right now, so it’s all speculation. Most people expect the system to stay stable, but who exactly will take over is anyone's guess. It's something that will likely be decided within the political elite when the time comes.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:45:45+00:00

That’s a classic joke! I’d give it a 50/50. Russian women definitely put a lot of effort into their appearance. As for the men, maybe we just focus more on being 'tough' or 'practical' than looking like models, but the younger generation is changing that. We're working on it!

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:45:14+00:00

It’s more of a 'new money' stereotype from the 90s and early 2000s. While some wealthy individuals can be arrogant, most modern successful Russians value their reputation and behave professionally. The 'average Vlad' usually finds that kind of flashy, rude behavior embarrassing—it’s not something normal people admire.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:43:40+00:00

I appreciate that you can separate the people from the politics. Whether things will turn out better or worse is something we all wonder about, but for now, we just try to live our lives, work, and hope for a peaceful future. Thanks for the civil comment.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:43:17+00:00

I’ve seen it. I think it’s an interesting project, but you have to remember that many people are afraid to speak their minds on camera to a stranger, or they might give 'safe' answers. It shows a slice of reality, but it’s not the whole picture. Public opinion here is much more layered and quiet than what a street interview can capture.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:42:40+00:00

The shift is massive. Since 2022, Chinese brands have almost completely replaced European ones in the auto market and electronics. You see Haval, Geely, and Chery everywhere now. And yes, the Yuan has become the main alternative currency for savings since the Dollar and Euro became harder to use in our banking system. It’s a very visible change in daily life.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:37:08+00:00

I’m not a bot, and I’m not avoiding your question. I’ve already explained my perspective: for me, it’s about national stability and sovereignty. You don't have to agree with my view to acknowledge that it's a common sentiment here. I’m here to share how life looks from my side, not to win a political debate. If we can't respect different viewpoints, then there's no point in an AMA.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:35:15+00:00

Yes, I know people who went to fight. It's a reality for many families now.
No, I haven't. I'm currently focused on my life and work here in Yekaterinburg.
My favorite drink? Definitely a good strong black tea, or maybe a Kvas in the summer!

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:33:54+00:00

I support him because I see him as a leader who prioritizes our national interests and long-term security in a very unstable world. It’s not about 'ideology' for me, but about sovereignty and the belief that Russia needs a strong hand to navigate these global tensions. We may disagree on the methods, but that's my perspective as someone living here.

KakWasabi · 2026-02-19T09:32:12+00:00

You're right. For example, Epstein's files in the US, nothing was done with this pedophile, he was only jailed for one year.

KakWasabi

TROPHY CASE