How are sanctions affecting Russians?

Here in Moscow, the mood is sombre amongst many Russians.

The invasion of Ukraine – which the Kremlin insists should be called a ‘special military operation’ – has resulted in crippling Western sanctions which are hitting the economy hard.

The impact on ordinary Russians is already being felt.

Russia’s currency, the ruble, has crashed, and prices for a whole range of goods and services are rising fast - including travelling abroad.

Foreign travel itself is now much harder – the US, EU and others have closed their airspace to Russian aircraft. Thousands of young, educated Russians have already left the country.

Several large Russian supermarkets are limiting the number of basic goods people can buy at one time. In one shop I saw a notice stating: 'Only one 5kg bag of sugar per person'. The government says this is to limit black market dealing and inflation.

The list of Western companies pulling out of Russia grows ever longer. In shopping centres in central Moscow, many Western shops are shuttered; others cannot accept card payments.

Before the invasion, Moscow was one of the most technologically advanced and well-connected cities in the world – with a first-class system of streaming services, online payments, tech and digital services. Using cash was rare. But with companies such as Apple, Visa and Netflix curtailing or shutting down in Russia, these services are grinding to a halt.