Moscow plans for post-war return of west's brands

After three years of war and Western isolation, Russians are starting to hope that the recent flurry of US-Russia diplomacy could offer a path to peace in Ukraine - and restore the sense of normality lost when their leader sent tanks across the Ukrainian border.

- Pjotr Sauer

Last week's US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia have sent the country's propagandists and political establishment into euphoria, celebrating what they see as a real chance of achieving Russia's goals in the war at the expense of Ukraine and its European allies.

Polls indicate that support for Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine remains strong. Yet they also show that many Russians - especially in major cities like Moscow and St Petersburg - appear to yearn for the pre-war days when they could easily fly to Europe or browse the aisles of Zara.

A recent survey found that 61% of Russians favoured peace talks over continuing the war - a record high since the question was first asked in the early days of the conflict.

"61% The proportion of Russians who favour peace talks over continuing the war in Ukraine, according to a recent survey"