The Fine Line of Reporting in Russia: Steve Rosenberg's Perspective

Tue Feb 03 2026 17:49:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Steve Rosenberg, the BBC Russia editor, shares his insights on the challenges faced while reporting from Russia amidst hostile rhetoric and political tensions.

In a candid reflection, BBC's Steve Rosenberg discusses the hostile environment for reporters in Russia, exemplified by a tirade from state media against him. He describes how the landscape for journalism has shifted since the invasion of Ukraine and the tightening of Kremlin controls, illustrating the struggle of foreign correspondents balancing truth and safety. Rosenberg's account provides a unique glimpse into the complexities facing Western journalists in Russia today.

On his Russian TV show, a famous presenter takes aim and unleashes a tirade against the UK. I'm just glad it's not his finger on the nuclear button, jokes BBC's Steve Rosenberg about the vitriol directed at him by Kremlin-friendly media.

Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent Russian TV host, expressed frustration, stating: We still haven't destroyed London or Birmingham... We haven't wiped all this British scum from the face of the earth. His comments reflect the intense anti-Western sentiment prevalent in Russia.

Rosenberg, in a reflective tone, describes the experience of being labeled an enemy of Russia as painful, especially given his long-term connection to the country. He has lived in Russia for over 30 years and has witnessed its transformation from a time of supposed friendship with the West to the current climate marked by war and animosity.

In Our Man in Moscow, a documentary by BBC Panorama, Rosenberg details the arduous task of journalistic integrity in the face of rising repression, difficult visa restrictions, and threats against dissenters. Following the onset of the Ukraine invasion, a new set of oppressive laws aimed to silence critics and curb free speech, making accurate reporting increasingly precarious.

Rosenberg recounts his experiences in Moscow, where he navigates a reduced team while constantly facing additional scrutiny. With many of his sources hesitant to speak, he finds himself walking a tightrope, striving to maintain a delicate balance in his reporting.

Despite these challenges, Rosenberg continues to engage with Russian authorities, including occasional press conferences with President Putin, providing vital insights into the Kremlin's mindset which remains deeply entrenched in resentment towards the West.

The months ahead are uncertain as the outcomes of the war and international relations evolve, shaping the future landscape of not just Russia but also Europe as a whole.