Steve Rosenberg
@bbcstever.bsky.social
BBC Russia Editor, Moscow
Pinned
For Christmas, a BBC/Channel 4 collaboration: The Coventry Carol
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
Ciaran Jenkins and I have recorded another Channel 4 News/BBC News long-distance musical collaboration for Christmas. This year we play The Coventry Carol. To all who are celebrating, wishing you a happy, peaceful Christmas.
We are currently 1800 miles apart. But Angela Hewitt and I have recorded this Christmas collaboration. We play Away in a Manger. Wherever you are in the world, wishing you a peaceful day. #Christmas
Away in a Manger - Angela Hewitt and Steve Rosenberg
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 25, 2025 at 8:06 AM
We are currently 1800 miles apart. But Angela Hewitt and I have recorded this Christmas collaboration. We play Away in a Manger. Wherever you are in the world, wishing you a peaceful day. #Christmas
Ciaran Jenkins and I have recorded another Channel 4 News/BBC News long-distance musical collaboration for Christmas. This year we play The Coventry Carol. To all who are celebrating, wishing you a happy, peaceful Christmas.
For Christmas, a BBC/Channel 4 collaboration: The Coventry Carol
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 24, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Ciaran Jenkins and I have recorded another Channel 4 News/BBC News long-distance musical collaboration for Christmas. This year we play The Coventry Carol. To all who are celebrating, wishing you a happy, peaceful Christmas.
From today’s Russian papers: “The US has de facto pulled out of the anti-Russia coalition.” On the Russian economy, one paper predicts VAT hike will spark “inflationary spiral.” Another warns: “Severe labour shortage. More than 800,000 blue-collar workers needed.” #ReadingRussia
Russian papers warn of "inflationary spiral" and "acute labour shortage."
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 24, 2025 at 10:31 AM
From today’s Russian papers: “The US has de facto pulled out of the anti-Russia coalition.” On the Russian economy, one paper predicts VAT hike will spark “inflationary spiral.” Another warns: “Severe labour shortage. More than 800,000 blue-collar workers needed.” #ReadingRussia
I asked Vladimir Putin: “What future are you planning, are you building for your country?” Here’s his full reply.
I asked Vladimir Putin: "What future are you planning for Russia?"
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
I asked Vladimir Putin: “What future are you planning, are you building for your country?” Here’s his full reply.
One Russian paper today calls updated Ukraine peace proposals “not just unacceptable for Russia...In effect it’s an escalation of the conflict.” On the Russian economy other papers report “stagnation” & “wage arrears rising 10% a month.” #ReadingRussia
Updated peace proposals "unacceptable for Russia" claims Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 17, 2025 at 8:26 AM
One Russian paper today calls updated Ukraine peace proposals “not just unacceptable for Russia...In effect it’s an escalation of the conflict.” On the Russian economy other papers report “stagnation” & “wage arrears rising 10% a month.” #ReadingRussia
On Russian state TV tonight, a headline (until recently) you wouldn't have expected to see. "USA-EU: Cold War." Moscow clearly enjoying tensions between Washington & Brussels, as well as the new US national security strategy that's more critical of the EU than of Russia.
December 14, 2025 at 5:15 PM
On Russian state TV tonight, a headline (until recently) you wouldn't have expected to see. "USA-EU: Cold War." Moscow clearly enjoying tensions between Washington & Brussels, as well as the new US national security strategy that's more critical of the EU than of Russia.
One Russian paper today sees "a split in the Western camp. This is objectively good for Russia.” Other papers: “crisis” in metals industry & “more than 40% of working Russians surveyed have barely enough/not enough money before payday for food & essential goods.” #ReadingRussia
Russian paper: "We see a split in the Western camp. This is objectively good for Russia."
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 12, 2025 at 10:20 AM
One Russian paper today sees "a split in the Western camp. This is objectively good for Russia.” Other papers: “crisis” in metals industry & “more than 40% of working Russians surveyed have barely enough/not enough money before payday for food & essential goods.” #ReadingRussia
One Russian paper today: ““We will not agree to a truce because we need the capitulation of Ukraine.” Meanwhile: “Nearly 60% of Russian regions have a hole in their budgets of over 600 billion roubles, almost 11 times more than in 2022.” #ReadingRussia
"Nearly 60% of Russian regions have hole in their budgets over 600 billion roubles": Russian paper.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 11, 2025 at 8:07 AM
One Russian paper today: ““We will not agree to a truce because we need the capitulation of Ukraine.” Meanwhile: “Nearly 60% of Russian regions have a hole in their budgets of over 600 billion roubles, almost 11 times more than in 2022.” #ReadingRussia
Vladimir Putin & Donald Trump both think they've saved their countries.
Putin (press conference Dec 2024)
“I not only took care (of Russia), we stepped back from the edge of the abyss"
Trump (NSS, Nov 2025)
“We've brought our nation – & the world – back from the brink of catastrophe & disaster”
Putin (press conference Dec 2024)
“I not only took care (of Russia), we stepped back from the edge of the abyss"
Trump (NSS, Nov 2025)
“We've brought our nation – & the world – back from the brink of catastrophe & disaster”
December 10, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Vladimir Putin & Donald Trump both think they've saved their countries.
Putin (press conference Dec 2024)
“I not only took care (of Russia), we stepped back from the edge of the abyss"
Trump (NSS, Nov 2025)
“We've brought our nation – & the world – back from the brink of catastrophe & disaster”
Putin (press conference Dec 2024)
“I not only took care (of Russia), we stepped back from the edge of the abyss"
Trump (NSS, Nov 2025)
“We've brought our nation – & the world – back from the brink of catastrophe & disaster”
One of today’s Russian papers suggests that “The Russian army may take advantage of the cooling of the United States to the Ukraine issue...experts predict the possible opening of two new fronts.” #ReadingRussia
Today's Russian papers: blaming Europe, crumbling infrastructure
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 9, 2025 at 6:46 AM
One of today’s Russian papers suggests that “The Russian army may take advantage of the cooling of the United States to the Ukraine issue...experts predict the possible opening of two new fronts.” #ReadingRussia
Today’s Russian papers are loving the new US national security strategy. One Russian paper on the implications for Europe: “Trump isn’t their Daddy any more.” Kremlin spokesman comments: “The adjustments in the updated strategy correspond in many ways to our vision” #ReadingRussia
“Trump’s not their Daddy any more.” Russian paper on Europe, over new US national security strategy
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 8, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Today’s Russian papers are loving the new US national security strategy. One Russian paper on the implications for Europe: “Trump isn’t their Daddy any more.” Kremlin spokesman comments: “The adjustments in the updated strategy correspond in many ways to our vision” #ReadingRussia
Today’s Russian papers on chances of a peace deal: “Don't count on Russia making noticeable concessions.” But: “If proposals are acceptable to Russia, one could talk of a summit in Budapest.” Meanwhile, Russia’s “economic malaise betrayed by rise in wage arrears." #ReadingRussia
What today's Russian papers are saying about the prospects for a Ukraine peace deal
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 1, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Today’s Russian papers on chances of a peace deal: “Don't count on Russia making noticeable concessions.” But: “If proposals are acceptable to Russia, one could talk of a summit in Budapest.” Meanwhile, Russia’s “economic malaise betrayed by rise in wage arrears." #ReadingRussia
For St Andrew’s Day we present а long-distance musical collaboration. BBC Scotland Weather presenter Calum MacColl and I perform ‘A Red, Red Rose’ by Robert Burns. #StAndrewsDay
'A Red, Red Rose' - long-distance BBC collaboration
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 30, 2025 at 8:06 AM
For St Andrew’s Day we present а long-distance musical collaboration. BBC Scotland Weather presenter Calum MacColl and I perform ‘A Red, Red Rose’ by Robert Burns. #StAndrewsDay
Today one Russian newspaper writes: “With its strikes on Russia, Kyiv is demonstrating it doesn’t want peace.” But what about Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine? Here’s a look at how one headline can say so much about Moscow’s approach. #ReadingRussia
One headline in a Russian paper can say so much
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Today one Russian newspaper writes: “With its strikes on Russia, Kyiv is demonstrating it doesn’t want peace.” But what about Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine? Here’s a look at how one headline can say so much about Moscow’s approach. #ReadingRussia
In today’s Russian papers there’s scepticism over the current round of diplomacy. One paper: “The European-Ukrainian gang will ‘correct’ Trump’s plan so that it’s unacceptable for Russia.” Another: “I don’t think the Special Military Operation will end this year.” #ReadingRussia
In the Russian papers, much scepticism about the peace plan.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 24, 2025 at 8:50 AM
In today’s Russian papers there’s scepticism over the current round of diplomacy. One paper: “The European-Ukrainian gang will ‘correct’ Trump’s plan so that it’s unacceptable for Russia.” Another: “I don’t think the Special Military Operation will end this year.” #ReadingRussia
45 years ago I made a pitch for the Director-General job. Didn’t get it – mind you, I was only 13. But I did get a reply from Ian Trethowan, who was DG at the time. All these years later I’m proud to work for the BBC.
November 23, 2025 at 12:08 PM
45 years ago I made a pitch for the Director-General job. Didn’t get it – mind you, I was only 13. But I did get a reply from Ian Trethowan, who was DG at the time. All these years later I’m proud to work for the BBC.
I’ve been looking back at my old Russian newspaper reviews. They highlight how much Russia has changed - and signs of what lay ahead. #ReadingRussia
What the Russian papers used to write about: re-watching my old paper reviews.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 23, 2025 at 9:29 AM
I’ve been looking back at my old Russian newspaper reviews. They highlight how much Russia has changed - and signs of what lay ahead. #ReadingRussia
No signs of compromise in Moscow. Today one Russian newspaper states: “Putin is ready for talks on Ukraine on Russia’s terms.” Another paper points out: “After the Alaska summit, from our side there were no good will gestures. Just an intensification of attacks.” #ReadingRussia
What messages was Vladimir Putin sending from a command post? And who to?
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 21, 2025 at 8:29 AM
No signs of compromise in Moscow. Today one Russian newspaper states: “Putin is ready for talks on Ukraine on Russia’s terms.” Another paper points out: “After the Alaska summit, from our side there were no good will gestures. Just an intensification of attacks.” #ReadingRussia
Today one Russian paper is crowing over reports of a US-Russia peace plan: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine? That’s all in the past.” But the state of Russia’s economy is nothing to crow about: “Recession is almost inevitable.” Plus, one editorial, with two messages..? #ReadingRusia
"Recession in Russia almost inevitable" warns Russian paper.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Today one Russian paper is crowing over reports of a US-Russia peace plan: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine? That’s all in the past.” But the state of Russia’s economy is nothing to crow about: “Recession is almost inevitable.” Plus, one editorial, with two messages..? #ReadingRusia
In today’s Russian papers: the new icebreaker Stalingrad, 14-year-olds can now be prosecuted for sabotage & “Russia’s industry is somewhere between stagnation and decline.” #ReadingRussia
"Russian industry is somewhere between stagnation and decline,” says Russian paper.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 9:49 AM
In today’s Russian papers: the new icebreaker Stalingrad, 14-year-olds can now be prosecuted for sabotage & “Russia’s industry is somewhere between stagnation and decline.” #ReadingRussia
“The Russian car market is on the way to becoming like Cuba, or the USSR", reports one Russian paper today. Another writes about “the crisis in mortgages and housing construction.” #ReadingRussia
"Russia's car market on the way to becoming like Cuba, or the USSR” warns Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 18, 2025 at 9:57 AM
“The Russian car market is on the way to becoming like Cuba, or the USSR", reports one Russian paper today. Another writes about “the crisis in mortgages and housing construction.” #ReadingRussia
One Russian paper today reports that “Half of all clothes and shoe shops in Russia have shut down….[due to] drop in incomes & slowing economic growth.” Another wonders whether Russia is suffering from “economic stagnation or technical recession.” #ReadingRussia
"Half of all Russian clothes and shoe shops have shut down", says Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 17, 2025 at 6:13 PM
One Russian paper today reports that “Half of all clothes and shoe shops in Russia have shut down….[due to] drop in incomes & slowing economic growth.” Another wonders whether Russia is suffering from “economic stagnation or technical recession.” #ReadingRussia
This morning I played the Brahms Lullaby on ‘Broadcasting House’ on BBC Radio 4. Wishing everyone, everywhere calmer, more peaceful times.
November 16, 2025 at 5:24 PM
This morning I played the Brahms Lullaby on ‘Broadcasting House’ on BBC Radio 4. Wishing everyone, everywhere calmer, more peaceful times.
Interesting editorial in one of today’s Russian papers. It states that in a political system like Russia's “politicians who find themselves in power get used to having more and more powers [and] have no external incentive to change.” #ReadingRussia
Do Russians want a leader with a 'strong hand'? Interesting editorial in a Russian paper.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Interesting editorial in one of today’s Russian papers. It states that in a political system like Russia's “politicians who find themselves in power get used to having more and more powers [and] have no external incentive to change.” #ReadingRussia
From today’s Russian papers: “Nearly 7,000 transport companies in Russia on the verge of bankruptcy”, “A record one in four companies have overdue loans”, “decline in civilian sectors of industry.” #ReadingRussia
"Nearly 7,000 transport companies in Russia on verge of bankruptcy” - Russian paper.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 13, 2025 at 10:04 AM
From today’s Russian papers: “Nearly 7,000 transport companies in Russia on the verge of bankruptcy”, “A record one in four companies have overdue loans”, “decline in civilian sectors of industry.” #ReadingRussia