How Russians See the War in Ukraine

<p>Russians and Ukrainians are deeply connected. Millions of Ukrainians have relatives in Russia. Many have lived in the country.</p><p>But Moscow has taken steps to shield its people from open information about the war, even as its bombing campaign intensifies.</p><p>When Ukrainians try to explain the dire situation to family members in Russia, they are often met with denial, resistance, and a kind of refusal to believe.</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/valerie-hopkins?smid=pc-thedaily">Valerie Hopkins</a>, a correspondent for The New York Times, currently in Ukraine.</p><p>Have you lost a loved one during the pandemic? The Daily is working on a special episode memorializing those we have lost to the coronavirus. If you would like to share their name on the episode, please RECORD A VOICE MEMO and send it to us at <a href="mailto:thedaily@nytimes.com">thedaily@nytimes.com</a>. You can find more information and<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/03/podcasts/daily-memorial-covid.html"> specific instructions here</a>.</p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>A wave of disinformation has emanated from the Russian state as the Kremlin tries to<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/06/world/europe/ukraine-russia-families.html"> shape the messages</a> most Russians are receiving.</li><li>At the same time,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/03/world/europe/russia-ukraine-propaganda-censorship.html"> the last vestiges of a Russian free press</a> are being dismantled.</li></ul><p>Want more from The Daily? For one big idea on the news each week from our team, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/newsletters/the-daily?module=inline">subscribe to our newsletter</a>. </p><p>For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily">nytimes.com/thedaily</a>. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. </p>