Sitting in a Moscow cafe, Yulia scrolled through profiles on her dating app, attempting to discern if the men matched her viewpoints. "I've added the names of the artists I listen to in my bio as a subtle clue to my mindset," explained the 21-year-old freelance photographer, speaking cautiously. Since Russia's military intervention in Ukraine began in February 2022, many have faced penalties or imprisonment for voicing dissent against the conflict. Surveys indicate that only a small fraction of young Russians oppose the military action. A June survey by the independent Levada Centre found that 30% of 18-24 year-olds disapproved, compared to 59% who supported it. For young, liberal Russians seeking to avoid relationships with ardent pro-military patriots, dating has become fraught with challenges.
"Since 2022, I've stopped sharing links to any articles I read," Yulia mentioned about her dating profile. Instead, she highlighted her favorite artists, Zemfira and Monetochka, who have criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine and have been labeled as "foreign agents" by the Russian government. Navigating the dating scene is also complex for those who support the conflict. Social media groups organize "patriotic gatherings" for Kremlin and military supporters to meet potential partners offline. Arseny Blavatsky, a 24-year-old PR manager and avowed admirer of President Vladimir Putin, seeks a partner with similar ideological views. "Since February 2022, neutrality is no longer an option," he stated at a speed-dating event in Moscow. Arseny recalled a past disappointment with a girl who, despite their initial compatibility, became distraught after the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, leading to their breakup.
After several encounters at the speed-dating event, Arseny selected two potential matches. Meanwhile, some young people find partners within their political movements. Katya Anikievich and Matvei Klestov, both 21, met while campaigning for opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin, who aimed to run against Putin in the presidential election. Despite the authorities blocking Nadezhdin's candidacy, their lives took a new direction, supporting jailed activists and participating in letter-writing campaigns. Similarly, Maria Smoktiy and Mikhail Galyashkin, who met at a protest organized by the "Other Russia" party, have found a shared purpose in their activism, despite the party's more extreme views sometimes clashing with government policies.
In contrast, Lev, a 28-year-old bookshop salesman with conservative views, and Yevgenia, a 20-year-old English teacher with liberal views, have found love despite their ideological differences. Lev, who describes himself as a "stubborn conservative," is set to marry a woman open to Western ideas, surprising himself with his willingness to compromise.
