To reassure fretful Ukrainians, Zelenskyy posted a short

For many Russians who spoke to Al Jazeera about their experiences since the invasion, the corporate exodus has been tolerable.“In the beginning, it was very unusual to see all the stores closed in the mall. But I am now buying the same brands online,” Guzel, a resident of the central Russian city of Kazan, told Al Jazeera.

“Yes, it is less convenient, you cannot try things on before buying, but that’s a minor problem.”Daria, an entrepreneur in Moscow who asked to be referred to by only her first name, said she was not bothered by the minor inconveniences stemming from the exit of Western brands.“The real cause of my everyday anxiety is people in military uniform on the streets of Moscow, the state of war with a neighbouring country, and oppressive laws that were implemented for the last two years that forbid me even to call it a war. So the reason brands left - that’s what bothers me, not the consequences,” Daria told Al Jazeera

For the manager of a large dairy company who spoke on condition of anonymity, business has continued largely unscathed.“Our production has only grown for the last two years. Of course, there are challenges. For instance, our company was an exclusive dealer of an American agriculture machinery brand, and since it announced the suspension of shipments, there is no legal way to buy their tractor[s] in Russia,” the manager, whose company has farms across Russia, told Al Jazeera.

“But the lifespan of a tractor is more than 10 years, so the effect would not be immediate. Yes, there are risks and we are taking steps to mitigate them”.

As for ethical concerns, the manager said her conscience is undisturbed.Media reports have indicated that there have been behind-the-scenes clashes between Musk and other members of the Trump White House that may have cooled relations between the president and his billionaire backer. But Trump has so far avoided criticising Musk publicly.

On Wednesday, for instance, Trump pivoted from the question about Musk’s comments to attacking Democratic members of Congress, who refuse to back his signature budget bill.“ Remember, we have zero Democrat votes because they’re bad people,” Trump said. “There’s something wrong with them.”

A version of the budget billthe House of Representatives last week. Currently, it is being considered by the Senate. But with a 53-seat majority in the 100-person chamber, Senate Republicans can only afford to lose three votes if they hope to pass the bill.