A new ARTE documentary reveals how drone attacks and state repression are now dominating the daily lives of Russian civilians [1].

This shift reflects the internal destabilization of Russia as the fallout from its war against Ukraine penetrates deep into the domestic sphere. The report highlights a return to state control mechanisms that mirror the Soviet era, targeting the psychological and digital freedom of the population.

According to the documentary "Tracks East," these pressures are felt across the country, including in the capital city of Moscow [1, 2]. The film focuses on the experiences of artists and activists who find themselves navigating a landscape of increasing surveillance and restricted communication [1, 3].

State-led internet blockages have become a primary tool for controlling the flow of information. These digital blackouts are paired with the physical threat of drone attacks, creating an environment of constant tension for those living in urban centers [2, 3].

The documentary is scheduled for broadcast on July 5, 2026 [2]. It will remain available for viewing until May 30, 2030 [1].

The footage captures a society under pressure, where the boundaries between the front lines of the war and the home front have blurred. By interviewing those on the ground, the report illustrates how the Russian state utilizes both modern technology and old-world repression to maintain order [1, 3].

“Drone attacks and state repression are now dominating the daily lives of Russian civilians.”

The integration of drone warfare and digital censorship within Russian borders suggests a transition toward a total-war footing. By reviving Soviet-style repression, the Kremlin is signaling that domestic dissent will be treated as a security threat equivalent to foreign aggression, further isolating the Russian populace from the global internet and international discourse.