Russian products you already have at home without knowing it

The Russian products in your home you never knew were Russian

When Russian products come up, the first things that spring to mind are Ladas, Kalashnikovs or gas. But the reality is far more varied and, in many cases, invisible. From the 7-Zip file compressor to the Telegram messenger, not to mention games like War Thunder or Vostok watches, Western consumers have been using Russian technology and consumer goods for decades without realising where they come from. The awkward question: amid sanctions and the demonisation of the country, are these products really that bad?

The Russian software you use every day

The list is longer than it seems. Telegram, with more than 700 million active users, was created by the Durov brothers, Russian by birth (they now live in Dubai). The Kaspersky bicho is another classic, though not without spying controversies. Tools such as 7-Zip, WinRAR, NGINX (the web server that powers much of the internet) or the games of Gaijin Entertainment (War Thunder, Wings of Prey) are Russian creations or come from teams based in Russia. Even the legendary Tetris, as some participants in the debate recalled, was born in the Soviet Union. The quality is generally recognised: 7-Zip leads in compression, and Telegram stands out for its security compared with alternatives like WhatsApp.

Vostok watches and the Lada Niva: the myth of Soviet durability

On the physical goods side, Vostok watches (Amphibia, Komandirskie) have a cult trinc among watch enthusiasts for their value for money. Automatic movements for just over 50 euros that rival Seiko or Orient in basic performance. Much the same goes for the Lada Niva, a legendary 4x4 that, despite drinking fuel like an aeroplane and having "appalling" performance and comfort, is praised for its robustness. Soviet tools such as wrenches and pliers, often kept in Lada boot kits, are still going strong decades after they were made.

Value for money: the argument that divides opinion

Not everything is ideal: critics point out that many Russian products are cheap copies of Western or Chinese designs, and that distribution in Europe is limited. Yet sectors such as free software and video games have shown that Russia can compete on innovation. The paradox is served: while governments tighten sanctions, everyday consumption of Russian technology remains massive, often without the user even knowing.

Can you separate the product from the country? Or are we being hypocritical by using Telegram while criticising Moscow? The answer, as almost always, lies with the market.