Muscovites go about their daily lives with little major disruption. But the war’s effects are evident — in the stores, at the movies and in the increasingly repressive environment.
There was no sign that any other country would recognize Russia’s move, but Mr. Putin may try to use the plans to shift attention away from his losses on the battlefield.
Eighty-three percent of Russians said they approved of Mr. Putin’s actions, up from 69 percent in January, according to an independent pollster in Moscow.