The article reflects on the ongoing war in Ukraine, marking the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion, and discusses the resilience of the Russian state despite heavy sanctions from the West and Japan. It highlights a recent protest in Vladivostok, dubbed the 'capital' of Russia's Far East, where up to 800 people rallied against a proposed increase in the car recycling tax. This was notable as it represented one of the largest protests in Russia in some time, showing a departure from the silence that has prevailed due to fear of government repression.

The proposed tax affects vehicles with more than 160 horsepower, potentially increasing financial burdens significantly for many citizens, particularly given that a substantial portion of cars in the region are foreign imports. The article draws connections to historical protests in the region, suggesting that previous public discontent has sometimes led to broader anti-government sentiments. Local authorities displayed a heightened police presence at the protest, underlining the regime's anxiety over any sign of dissent and its consistent efforts to squash any growing opposition from the public.

Overall, this narrative emphasizes the contrasting dynamics of public protest and governmental repression in Russia, raising questions about the sustainability of the current regime under internal pressures and the potential for unrest among its citizens as they grapple with both economic burdens and political repression.