Shaman, a Russian army operator, demonstrated to customers one of the gadgets that have dominated the battlefield in Ukraine while a drone buzzed around a retail mall in the Russian city of Voronezh.
The 19-year-old told AFP that he would soon depart to fight in the battle while concealing his face behind a mask. He made a commitment "to defend my country"—which launched a massive onslaught against its neighbor four years ago.
The one-million-person city of Voronezh, located some 500 kilometers south of Moscow, is nearer the eastern Ukrainian war line than the Russian capital.
The violence has slowly permeated everyday life, from frequent drone assaults by the Ukrainians in retaliation to army recruitment advertisements around the city.Shaman, his army call sign, was working the "Berkut Military-Sports Cossack Club" kiosk in the mall before leaving for the front.
He told AFP that persuading his fellow youngsters to enroll was "not necessarily" his intention.He referred to himself as a "patriot" and stated that each person follows their own path based on their interests.
The word has taken on a political connotation over the past four years, being used to praise military and, domestically, people who vocally back President Vladimir Putin and his offensive.

"I'm hopeful."
Since February 2022, Voronezh's appearance has also undergone significant transformation.
Anti-aircraft systems peep out from behind camouflage nets on snowy suburban roadways.
Murals honoring soldiers killed on the battlefield can be found in the city center.
Advertisements for a performance of "Swan Lake" at the local theater are overshadowed by many propaganda posters urging people to join the army.
If potential soldiers join up, a recruitment center gives them a lump sum payment of 2.5 million roubles ($32,500), which is equal to three years' worth of the typical regional income.
Despite suffering enormous losses, Russia has been able to retain a manpower edge over Ukraine thanks to the wealth available.One of those issues for Lyudmila, 64, who has black circles under her eyes, is that her son has been absent from activities for the past four months.It's really challenging. With tears welling up in her eyes, she replied, "I have hope, because without hope..."
Was he murdered? Taken prisoner? She is unaware of it.Terrifying
Russia does not formally disclose the number of its combatants killed.
At least 168,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since Moscow began its offensive, according to the BBC and independent Mediazona outlet's tracking of local obituaries and family announcements.
Lyudmila volunteers for a group that makes camouflage clothing for soldiers as a way to pass the time.Roman, a tractor driver, says "Nyet" to the idea of enlisting despite the meager sum of money offered. Like everyone AFP spoke to, he declined to provide his last name.No, no. "Not for any amount," the 48-year-old stated.

He wants to "switch off," "relax," and "think about fishing" while he is huddled in a tent on the freezing river, away from the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes."The explosions cause me to wake up more frequently," he remarked.Every day we hear explosions and sirens. Of course, it's frightening.

For months, Moscow has been bombarding Ukraine with missiles and drones every day. As temperatures dropped to -20C, the most recent wave severely damaged Kyiv's electricity infrastructure, depriving hundreds of thousands of people of heat.

Ukraine's army has been launching drones against Russia in retaliation, primarily aiming at energy and port infrastructure.

An incident in Voronezh last month claimed one life.

Street of Peace
Russian Ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova stated last month that one of the "most frequently" targeted areas in aerial attacks is the Voronezh region, which encircles the city and borders a portion of Ukraine that Moscow has taken.
Some modest indicators that not everyone shares the patriotic pro-war fervor can be found among the city's many army posters.
Artist Mikhail placed little ceramic signs with pleas for peace on walls and buildings following Russia's offensive.
They are similar to pro-peace plaques that were displayed during the Soviet era and included the words "Peace" or "Friendship"—a component of the propaganda of the time.

The 28-year-old, who goes by the moniker Noi, told AFP, "I wanted to remind people of the narrative of our grandmothers, grandfathers, and great-grandparents, who throughout my childhood said that war is terrifying."Peace is what we should always aim for.

But his plaques have been removed since anti-war campaigning is practically illegal in Russia.

With one exception, which is on Peace Street in Voronezh.