Steve Rosenberg
@bbcstever.bsky.social
BBC Russia Editor, Moscow
Pinned
This morning I played the Brahms Lullaby on ‘Broadcasting House’ on BBC Radio 4. Wishing everyone, everywhere calmer, more peaceful times.
“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
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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
In today’s Russian papers:
▪️ Russia’s budget deficit gets bigger
▪️ plans for a new “tax on gadgets”
▪️ a “cooling off period” for SIM cards
▪️t he dangers of rehabilitating Joseph Stalin
#ReadingRussia
▪️ Russia’s budget deficit gets bigger
▪️ plans for a new “tax on gadgets”
▪️ a “cooling off period” for SIM cards
▪️t he dangers of rehabilitating Joseph Stalin
#ReadingRussia
Russia: budget deficit grows and new "tax on gadgets"
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 9:11 AM
In today’s Russian papers:
▪️ Russia’s budget deficit gets bigger
▪️ plans for a new “tax on gadgets”
▪️ a “cooling off period” for SIM cards
▪️t he dangers of rehabilitating Joseph Stalin
#ReadingRussia
▪️ Russia’s budget deficit gets bigger
▪️ plans for a new “tax on gadgets”
▪️ a “cooling off period” for SIM cards
▪️t he dangers of rehabilitating Joseph Stalin
#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
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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
youtu.be
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