Two blockade are still alive. Militant mothers keep marching to protest the harsh two-year military service that orders their sons to Chechnya, Azerbaijan and Tadzikistan. Intelligentsia keep meeting in kitchens discussing art and literature with the same gusto as ever. Those coming as tourists and visitors may be impressed by the proliferation of goods, Western advertizing and building activity. They do not notice that ads are attached to buildings in a deplorable condition.
Contrasts define Russia today as they always have in the past.
An elusively rich minority exploits an extremely poor majority. Government that boasts of rich natural resources has incurred huge debts. Rules and regulations surround everything, but the legal system is ruled by total chaos. Beautiful museums and galleries are situated in dirty districts. The elegantly dressed walk the streets in daylight along with countless drunkards.