Steve Rosenberg
@bbcstever.bsky.social
BBC Russia Editor, Moscow
Pinned
Russian paper suggests the US midterm elections could "hurt Russia"
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Today one Russian paper suggests the US midterms “could undermine Donald Trump’s power & hurt Russia.” Other papers focus on Russia’s economic problems: “Zero growth in the 4th quarter…a gradual increase in crisis phenomena in manufacturing.” #ReadingRussia
Today one Russian paper suggests the US midterms “could undermine Donald Trump’s power & hurt Russia.” Other papers focus on Russia’s economic problems: “Zero growth in the 4th quarter…a gradual increase in crisis phenomena in manufacturing.” #ReadingRussia
Russian paper suggests the US midterm elections could "hurt Russia"
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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November 11, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Today one Russian paper suggests the US midterms “could undermine Donald Trump’s power & hurt Russia.” Other papers focus on Russia’s economic problems: “Zero growth in the 4th quarter…a gradual increase in crisis phenomena in manufacturing.” #ReadingRussia
In today’s Russian papers: “Budget revenues still falling, trade with China declining" & ”petrol supply problems in the regions.” Plus an interesting editorial: “In a situation where almost everything is prohibited, a little something at least should be permitted” #ReadingRussia
Russian paper points out that "almost everything is prohibited" in Russia
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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November 10, 2025 at 8:56 AM
In today’s Russian papers: “Budget revenues still falling, trade with China declining" & ”petrol supply problems in the regions.” Plus an interesting editorial: “In a situation where almost everything is prohibited, a little something at least should be permitted” #ReadingRussia
My musical tribute to Pauline Collins who has died aged 85. She was brilliant and award-winning in the film Shirley Valentine. But I will always remember her as parlourmaid Sarah Moffit in the 1970s ITV drama Upstairs, Downstairs.
November 8, 2025 at 9:15 AM
My musical tribute to Pauline Collins who has died aged 85. She was brilliant and award-winning in the film Shirley Valentine. But I will always remember her as parlourmaid Sarah Moffit in the 1970s ITV drama Upstairs, Downstairs.
Today one Russian paper claims that Donald Trump “behaves like a butterfly flitting from flower to flower. But no. That’s being unfair to butterflies.” Plus, the number of loss-making Russian companies goes up, freight loading volume on Russian Railways goes down. #ReadingRussia
"A year of misplaced hopes regarding Trump" - Russian newspaper headline
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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November 6, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Today one Russian paper claims that Donald Trump “behaves like a butterfly flitting from flower to flower. But no. That’s being unfair to butterflies.” Plus, the number of loss-making Russian companies goes up, freight loading volume on Russian Railways goes down. #ReadingRussia
Today one Russian paper warns that “one Poseidon drone would be enough to send that cocky little island [Britain] to the bottom of the sea.” Other papers: “[China’s] imports of Russian oil down 21%”, plus “increased risk of bankruptcy” for Russian companies. #ReadingRussia
"China's imports of Russian oil down 21% - Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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November 5, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Today one Russian paper warns that “one Poseidon drone would be enough to send that cocky little island [Britain] to the bottom of the sea.” Other papers: “[China’s] imports of Russian oil down 21%”, plus “increased risk of bankruptcy” for Russian companies. #ReadingRussia
Some Russian papers showcase the country’s new nuclear-powered cruise missile and underwater drone. Another paper: “Citizens have begun to actively economise on food.” #ReadingRussia
"Russians have begun to actively economise on food.” - Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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November 3, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Some Russian papers showcase the country’s new nuclear-powered cruise missile and underwater drone. Another paper: “Citizens have begun to actively economise on food.” #ReadingRussia
“All we were doing was bringing the music we like to a mass audience. We hope we’ll be home soon. It’s what we’re dreaming of most,” Stoptime vocalist Diana Loginova tells me. She & the other members of the band are still in jail after their street concerts. My report from St Petersburg.
How teenager gave street concert and was caught up in Russia's repressive past
Diana Loginova sang songs critical of the Kremlin. The 18-year-old and her bandmate are now in court.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 2:12 PM
“All we were doing was bringing the music we like to a mass audience. We hope we’ll be home soon. It’s what we’re dreaming of most,” Stoptime vocalist Diana Loginova tells me. She & the other members of the band are still in jail after their street concerts. My report from St Petersburg.
Prunella Scales, who has died aged 93, was superb as Sybil in Fawlty Towers and in so many other roles. Here’s my musical tribute to a wonderful actress.
November 1, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Prunella Scales, who has died aged 93, was superb as Sybil in Fawlty Towers and in so many other roles. Here’s my musical tribute to a wonderful actress.
In today’s Russian papers: nuclear-powered cruise missiles, poisonous snakes and economic pressures: “Russian industry is balancing on the verge of an all-industry collapse.” #ReadingRussia
Nuclear-powered cruise missiles & economic pressures: what the Russian papers are saying
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October 27, 2025 at 7:20 AM
In today’s Russian papers: nuclear-powered cruise missiles, poisonous snakes and economic pressures: “Russian industry is balancing on the verge of an all-industry collapse.” #ReadingRussia
Today's Russian newspapers react to Donald Trump sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies:
▪️“3/4 of Russia’s oil exports are now sanctioned.”
▪️“a political signal…a negative indicator”
▪️“Trump can backpedal any time. He’s that kind of person.”
#ReadingRussia
▪️“3/4 of Russia’s oil exports are now sanctioned.”
▪️“a political signal…a negative indicator”
▪️“Trump can backpedal any time. He’s that kind of person.”
#ReadingRussia
"Three-quarters of Russia's oil exports now under sanctions: - Russian paper.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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October 24, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Today's Russian newspapers react to Donald Trump sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies:
▪️“3/4 of Russia’s oil exports are now sanctioned.”
▪️“a political signal…a negative indicator”
▪️“Trump can backpedal any time. He’s that kind of person.”
#ReadingRussia
▪️“3/4 of Russia’s oil exports are now sanctioned.”
▪️“a political signal…a negative indicator”
▪️“Trump can backpedal any time. He’s that kind of person.”
#ReadingRussia
From today’s Russian papers: “There isn’t a single reason Moscow should agree to a ceasefire [in Ukraine].” Same paper accuses Trump of “intellectual laziness.” Another: “Everything we’ve seen suggests [Trump] is not ready to take tough measures against Russia.” #ReadingRussia
Russian paper accuses Donald Trump of "intellectual laziness"
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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October 22, 2025 at 8:25 AM
From today’s Russian papers: “There isn’t a single reason Moscow should agree to a ceasefire [in Ukraine].” Same paper accuses Trump of “intellectual laziness.” Another: “Everything we’ve seen suggests [Trump] is not ready to take tough measures against Russia.” #ReadingRussia
From today’s Russian papers it doesn’t sound like Russia's about to stop fighting in Ukraine. Today's edition of MK: “For us, a cessation of hostilities is inadvisable." Plus, Russia’s petrol shortage is now "20% of monthly supplies." #ReadingRussia
"Russia's petrol shortage now 20% of standard monthly supplies”: Russian paper.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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October 21, 2025 at 9:27 AM
From today’s Russian papers it doesn’t sound like Russia's about to stop fighting in Ukraine. Today's edition of MK: “For us, a cessation of hostilities is inadvisable." Plus, Russia’s petrol shortage is now "20% of monthly supplies." #ReadingRussia
In today’s Russian papers: Russia needs the resources “to conduct hostilities in Ukraine for at least 2, even 3 years.” Meanwhile, “it is no longer possible to deny the signs of petrol shortages in the regions.” Plus, utility tariffs to rise, science funding falls. #ReadingRussia
"No longer possible to deny signs of Russian petrol shortages," says Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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September 29, 2025 at 7:24 AM
In today’s Russian papers: Russia needs the resources “to conduct hostilities in Ukraine for at least 2, even 3 years.” Meanwhile, “it is no longer possible to deny the signs of petrol shortages in the regions.” Plus, utility tariffs to rise, science funding falls. #ReadingRussia
In today’s #ReadingRussia I look at what the Russian newspapers are saying about ‘victory’…and the country’s economic problems.
The Russian press and the concept of 'victory'
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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September 26, 2025 at 7:17 AM
In today’s #ReadingRussia I look at what the Russian newspapers are saying about ‘victory’…and the country’s economic problems.
Today one Russian paper calls Donald Trump’s criticism of Moscow “barking & verbal poison”, but predicts “new attempts [by Trump] to make a deal with Russia.” Another declares the US “Russia’s natural ally against Europe.” Plus, petrol shortages & VAT set to rise. #ReadingRussia
Trump's criticism of Moscow dismissed as "barking & verbal poison" by Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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September 25, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Today one Russian paper calls Donald Trump’s criticism of Moscow “barking & verbal poison”, but predicts “new attempts [by Trump] to make a deal with Russia.” Another declares the US “Russia’s natural ally against Europe.” Plus, petrol shortages & VAT set to rise. #ReadingRussia
Born behind the Iron Curtain, it's back. The Intervision Song Contest has been brought back to life by the Kremlin. My piece for BBC News about politics and pop. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Intervision 2025 - Russia hosts Putin's answer to Eurovision
Putin resurrects a Soviet-era global song contest, to distract from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 20, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Born behind the Iron Curtain, it's back. The Intervision Song Contest has been brought back to life by the Kremlin. My piece for BBC News about politics and pop. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
How are today's Russian papers reporting the story of Russian drones over Poland? By turning things around & blaming Ukraine. But one paper highlights the seriousness of the situation: “Russia & Nato come dangerously close to a direct clash.” #ReadingRussia
“Russia & Nato come dangerously close to direct clash” writes Russian paper.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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September 11, 2025 at 6:29 AM
How are today's Russian papers reporting the story of Russian drones over Poland? By turning things around & blaming Ukraine. But one paper highlights the seriousness of the situation: “Russia & Nato come dangerously close to a direct clash.” #ReadingRussia
The Kremlin's first comments about the drones over Poland...and it's 'no comment.' "We wouldn’t like to comment on this,” Dmitry Peskov told journalists on a daily conference call. “This is not for us to do so. It’s a matter for the [Russian] Defence Ministry.”
September 10, 2025 at 11:10 AM
The Kremlin's first comments about the drones over Poland...and it's 'no comment.' "We wouldn’t like to comment on this,” Dmitry Peskov told journalists on a daily conference call. “This is not for us to do so. It’s a matter for the [Russian] Defence Ministry.”
Economic problems again feature heavily in today’s Russian papers: “More & more regions of Russia are facing a shortage of petrol” ▪️ “Devaluation of the rouble is inevitable” ▪️ “Russians have less and less money left over.” #ReadingRussia
"More & more Russian regions facing petrol shortage" says Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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September 10, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Economic problems again feature heavily in today’s Russian papers: “More & more regions of Russia are facing a shortage of petrol” ▪️ “Devaluation of the rouble is inevitable” ▪️ “Russians have less and less money left over.” #ReadingRussia
Couldn’t be clearer. One Russian paper lays out Moscow’s position on the war: “The Kremlin believes Russia is slowly but surely achieving its goals in Ukraine. So Moscow doesn't intend to stop or feel any desire for half-hearted solutions & half-baked compromises” #ReadingRussia
In Russia mobile internet shutdowns "no longer a rare occurrence" admits Russian paper.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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September 9, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Couldn’t be clearer. One Russian paper lays out Moscow’s position on the war: “The Kremlin believes Russia is slowly but surely achieving its goals in Ukraine. So Moscow doesn't intend to stop or feel any desire for half-hearted solutions & half-baked compromises” #ReadingRussia
Today’s Russian papers offer a mixture of geo-political bravado & concern for the domestic economy. You’ll find “Global liberalism is a spent force” & “Europe is crazy about war with Russia.” But also: “Budget deficit’s a serious problem for the Russian economy.” #ReadingRussia
"Budget deficit's a serious problem for the Russian economy" Russian paper warns.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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September 8, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Today’s Russian papers offer a mixture of geo-political bravado & concern for the domestic economy. You’ll find “Global liberalism is a spent force” & “Europe is crazy about war with Russia.” But also: “Budget deficit’s a serious problem for the Russian economy.” #ReadingRussia
In Vladivostok Vladimir Putin warned that foreign troops in Ukraine would be viewed by Russia as “legitimate targets.” (But what, I asked his spokesman, about North Korean troops in Russia?) Our report from Vladivostok. Thanks to the Moscow team.
September 6, 2025 at 4:40 PM
In Vladivostok Vladimir Putin warned that foreign troops in Ukraine would be viewed by Russia as “legitimate targets.” (But what, I asked his spokesman, about North Korean troops in Russia?) Our report from Vladivostok. Thanks to the Moscow team.
“Raisa liked my singing.” My jam sessions with Mikhail Gorbachev, who died three years ago today.
My jam sessions with Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the USSR.
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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August 30, 2025 at 9:42 AM
“Raisa liked my singing.” My jam sessions with Mikhail Gorbachev, who died three years ago today.
“Russia’s economy is rapidly approaching freezing point,” warns one Russian paper today, adding “The economy risks going into the red.” Another paper reports: Russia’s Education Ministry has sent schools “a list of patriotic songs for children to learn.” #ReadingRussia
"Russia's economy rapidly approaching freezing point" warns Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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August 29, 2025 at 9:40 AM
“Russia’s economy is rapidly approaching freezing point,” warns one Russian paper today, adding “The economy risks going into the red.” Another paper reports: Russia’s Education Ministry has sent schools “a list of patriotic songs for children to learn.” #ReadingRussia
In today’s Russian papers: Russia bans the International Baccalaureate & plans to withdraw from European Convention against Torture. One paper writes: “The authorities are demonstrating Russia is no longer accountable to the global community.” #ReadingRussia
Russia to withdraw from European Convention against Torture
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
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August 27, 2025 at 9:25 AM
In today’s Russian papers: Russia bans the International Baccalaureate & plans to withdraw from European Convention against Torture. One paper writes: “The authorities are demonstrating Russia is no longer accountable to the global community.” #ReadingRussia