ИСТИНА

The study focuses on the unusual effects of spatial inequality in Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an attempt to stop the spread of the virus, authorities in many countries have introduced lockdowns, which were expected to reduce population mobility. However, in Russia, the introduction of a lockdown was not accompanied by a declaration of an emergency regime. Experts admitted that alternative modes of support the people and businesses were absolutely inadequate. Based on the analysis of daily data on the population mobility of 308 municipalities in Russia, we analyzed the effectiveness of the attempts to limit mobility. Contradictory government attempts have exacerbated spatial inequalities in Russia during the pandemic and left the poorest areas most vulnerable. Rich areas were most adoptive, while poor areas were not able to reduce mobility. The effectiveness of measures to reduce mobility dropped sharply for all types of territories after their extension without financing losses to the people and businesses.