Interaction Between Russian Civil Society and the Social Group of Special Military Operation Participants: Forms of Contact, Barriers, and Social Consequences

The article examines interaction between Russian civil society and the emerging social group of Special Military Operation participants. It uses a secondary analysis of open survey data, institutional reports and academic studies published in 2021–2026. Four levels of interaction are distinguished: institutional, horizontal, symbolic and everyday. Quantitative indicators show a substantial scale of formal support, while everyday integration and stable horizontal ties remain less measurable and less consolidated. The article identifies formalization, role reduction, weak continuity of contacts and fragmented support pathways as key barriers. It argues for a shift from a recipient-oriented model to subject participation in employment, education, volunteering and local civic life.