[MrDisposable]

Long-time Russian HN user here, under a throwaway account and a VPN.

The majority public sentiment hasn't formed yet. The war started in early morning, and many people are still hung-over due to yesterday holiday (the Russian Army day, BTW).

My prediction is that there won't be a patriotic hysteria. People will be wary of possible consequences, which -- and I think everyone understands that -- may be severe. Medical drug prices will certainly go up, due to the fact that most drugs are imported. A high-tech / chip / electronics exports to Russia may be restricted. An oil & gas embargo may be imposed, which means that we're back to the 90's (though I think that Europe will be difficult to get on board, due to their dependency on Russia's energy).

My personal current sentiment is that we may get completely isolated from the west, and that we'll have to form a closer alliance with China -- which I don't like.

(A small consolation prize is that our corrupt "elites" will finally get what they deserve -- I expect heavy personal sanctions and foreign asset seizures).

[fisp78]

Throwaway here. I work for a large US investment company that has a lot of Russian assets and staff. They are sticking their fingers in their ears and not even discussing this. I expect the sanctions will have minimal effect because there is such a complex web of investments. Individual staff are discussing exiting the company regularly over it rather than profiting from blood money. That’s all we can do.

[eurasiantiger]

> Individual staff are discussing exiting the company regularly over it rather than profiting from blood money. That’s all we can do.

You could also stop discussing and leave?

Of course, the prospect of personal enrichment is more important than millions of people losing their homes, homelands, loved ones and lives.

[fisp78]

If we just leave we are replaced. If we put pressure on executives then we may be able to change something. Leaving is the last resort.

[hutzlibu]

"Of course, the prospect of personal enrichment is more important than millions of people losing their homes, homelands, loved ones and lives."

Which is why you stopped using any product coming from a country engaged with war, murder and torture?

I think that is hard to do.

It is also hard to punish a company for the actions of their government.