Yaroslav Kovalyov, 20, student

The economic situation in the country is gradually changing. People have really recovered from the recent shocks Russia has suffered, such as devaluation, inflation and other economic crises. Some of them adapted to these kinds of troubles long ago; others are only today beginning to get used to them. We know now that, today, it's possible to find good work and to achieve something in life. I agree with the official statements about the economic upturn in Russia, because I feel it myself.

Natalya MikhaIlova, 25, lawyer

There are a large number of statistics produced regularly on the world's major economies. I noticed that headlines in the newspapers or important items on television news programs have been focusing on Russia's recent economic stability. They say the economy is improving, citing such and such number or percentage point. But I think that the data should be treated with some caution. I don't see real changes in the lives of people who live near me, and there are still a lot of political and economic difficulties in our country.

Yulian Levchuk, 64, COMPANY EXECUTIVE

Nothing has really changed in my life. I don't feel any material prosperity or even a small financial improvement. But in the press – especially the official Russian newspapers – I often read statements about the economic gains we've made. I think there must be some economic improvement, but it's still pretty feeble. I can't say now whether this will develop further or how long it will take. I hope it means a Russian revival. I'm waiting for it.

Sergei Sarafan, 40, oil-industry worker

There is economic improvement in Russia, but it's quite unsteady. I see the following reasons for it: The Russian economy is dependent on world oil prices and no one knows whether those prices will go up or down. It's difficult to forecast anything. Remember, analysts once predicted a rise in oil prices, and they did just the opposite – tumbling to $8 a barrel. Moreover, the economic situation is complicated by the Chechen war. Things like this influence all political and economic processes in our country.

Dina Talacheva, 30, accountant

If you work in a large, solid, respectable company, you don't really think that much about the overall economic situation in the country. You're just thinking that you are doing OK, especially if you're paid in dollars. Half a year ago, I moved to Moscow from Uzbekistan, and now I understand that, in spite of the official statements about economic stability, it's difficult to find any work. I want to believe the situation is improving and that the economic crisis is over, but I don't see any real changes in either direction.