iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Today one Russian newspaper writes: “The parliamentary elections are over. The time has come for unpopular measures.” Another reports on contacts between the Kremlin and Germany's far-right AfD. #ReadingRussia

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Russian paper: “The election’s over. It’s time for unpopular measures.”

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

“What should I do if I need my motherland, but she doesn’t need me?” Superheroes, special operations and “shaping the mindset of children.” An extended edition of #ReadingRussia

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Superheroes, "special operations" and “shaping the mindset of Russian children.”

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Today one Russian newspaper doubts that Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit in Miami and predicts “an even tougher and bloodier phase of the Ukraine conflict this winter.” Its headline: “Ahead Russia has not peace, but war.” #ReadingRussia

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"Ahead, Russia has not peace, but war": today's Russian newspapers

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Today’s Russian papers write about “the deterioration of the economic situation in Russia”, where “housing construction is deep in the red” & “increasingly expensive groceries & petrol are making people worry more about inflation.” #ReadingRussia

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Russian newspaper warns of the "deterioration of the economic situation" in Russia

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Today’s Russian papers reflect the Kremlin’s take on the parliamentary election: “Putin won a referendum. Russians backed the special military operation.” Another paper predicts “at least 50” MPs will be war veterans: “These days you need people who know the smell of gunfire.” #ReadingRussia

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What are today's Russian newspapers saying about the election result?

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Moscow mayor says Moscow oil refinery hit in Ukrainian drone attack and claims that, since yesterday, more than 1,600 drones have been "repelled" over Russia; describes the attack as "unprecedented" and an attempt "to disrupt the [parliamentary] election."

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

In Moscow I visit a new Metro station that references the war in Ukraine, a museum that heroises Russian & North Korean soldiers and I try to gauge the mood on the streets. An extended edition of #ReadingRussia

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Russia: a 'holy war', a subway station and the mood on the street

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

In today’s Russian papers: “hole in the state budget” bigger than expected; “growing demand in Russia for insurance cover for drone attacks”. And a senior official claims: “Russia can survive only as a great power. We’re either a great power, or nothing.” #ReadingRussia

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"Growing demand in Russia for insurance cover for drone attacks" - Russian paper

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

From today’s Russian papers: ▪️“In Russia one in three companies is losing money” ▪️“severe shortage of workers” ▪️Plus, schoolchildren now being shown “films about the heroes of the special military operation” #ReadingRussia

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What are today's Russian papers saying about Russia's economic problems?

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

"Diplomacy of the Doomed" is how one of today's Russian papers sums up Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner's talks with Vladimir Putin, adding "Their mission was doomed to underachievement from the outset." #ReadingRussia

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"Diplomacy of the Doomed": what the Russian papers are saying about US talks with Putin

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Yesterday Prime Minister Modi of India urged Vladimir Putin to move towards peace in Ukraine. What are today’s Russian newspapers saying about that? And how should we interpret the Kremlin leader’s response? #ReadingRussia

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Modi calls on Putin to move towards peace. How should we interpret the response?

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Today’s Russian papers report on Russia’s economic problems: “Stagnation in industry” & “Investment downturn significantly worse than expected.” But it's not just Russia that has problems, thinks one paper: “The destruction of the world order can't be stopped.” #ReadingRussia

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Russia: industry "stagnating" & fuel situation "unpredictable", write Russian newspapers.

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

In this extended #ReadingRussia: Remembering Mikhail Gorbachev who died four years ago today. I read some of the new textbooks for Russian schools. And the petrol queues have made it into the joke pages of Russian newspapers. Plus, a long overdue spring clean.

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I read some of the new textbooks for Russian schools

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The Russian press continues to discuss John Ratcliffe’s surprise trip to Moscow. One paper: “The visit of a CIA chief is not a sign of peace & not a sign of war. It’s a sign normal channels are no longer effective and that the heavy artillery is required.” #ReadingRussia

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Russia’s anti-drone cages for buildings: what are they like?

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Why did the CIA director fly to Moscow? “There’s always a reason for a visit like this,” says the Russian government paper. But what is it? Different versions in today’s Russian papers. Plus, an editorial with a message…for Europe? #ReadingRussia

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What are the Russian papers saying about the CIA director's trip to Moscow?

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

In today’s Russian papers: a Putin decree, Russians “withdrew more cash than they deposited, praise for Marine Le Pen and a message for Andy Burnham: “He won’t see Moscow in his dreams. He should…in his nightmares.” #ReadingRussia

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Russians "withdrew more cash than they deposited"

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Two very different headlines today in Russia. The army paper: “Victory will be ours!” Nezavisimaya Gazeta: “Is there a way out of the petrol crisis if infrastructure isn’t protected?” #ReadingRussia

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Russian paper: Fuel crisis won't end if Russia can't protect its refineries from drone attacks

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Spotted in a Russian newspaper: “The logic of this war is becoming more and more harsh: either they will destroy Russia, or we will crush them.” A week of petrol queues, growing geo-political tension & no end in sight to Russia’s war in Ukraine. #ReadingRussia

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Amid fuel crisis Russia now importing petrol from India

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Russian journalist and Nobel laureate Dmitry Muratov talks to me about the war in Ukraine, repression at home and the man who’s been in power in Russia for more than a quarter of a century: Vladimir Putin.

bbc.com

Muratov: Putin can no longer claim victory in Ukraine

In an exclusive interview with the BBC’s Steve Rosenberg, Dmitry Muratov says the Kremlin leader can only "destroy Ukraine, not conquer it", with the war now in its fifth year.

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Russian officials say 12 people killed, 39 wounded in Ukrainian drone attack on Nizhnekamsk. The city, 1000 km east of Moscow, is a hub for oil refining and petrochemical industries.

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

In Reading Russia Weekend Extra I ask Russians for their reaction to last weekend’s restaurant bomb & drone attacks on Wildberries warehouses. Plus, the Putin 2027 calendar is out already: what messages does it contain?

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Voices from the streets of Moscow...plus, a review of the Putin 2027 calendar.

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

40 years ago I began my Russian degree course at the University of Leeds. It was the era of perestroika & glasnost. Who could have imagined then what the world would look like four decades on. At night, on a short wave radio, I’d listen to music from the USSR. I still remember some of the melodies.

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My Russia journey began forty years ago

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Today’s Russian papers report on Russia’s “Anti-crisis petrol” – lower grade fuel now being sold “to prevent a petrol shortage.” One paper warns: “regular use of lower grade petrol” causes problems for modern cars. #ReadingRussia

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Russia selling "anti-crisis petrol" to counter fuel shortages

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

In today’s #ReadingRussia: a look at the language Moscow uses to describe the war on Ukraine. Plus, more on the consequences of Ukrainian drone attacks. And a Hollywood blockbuster (unofficially) hits Russian cinema screens.

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The language of war: how Moscow describes its war on Ukraine.

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

What will be the consequences of Ukrainian drone strikes on Wildberries warehouses? One Russian paper today: “Russian enterprises will face a deterioration in financial performance due to rising logistics costs & damage to warehouse infrastructure.” #ReadingRussia

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Russia's platform economy "threatened" by Ukrainian drone strikes, warns Russian paper.

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

I’m on leave away from Moscow. Just wanted to say thank you for watching, reading, listening to my posts and for all your comments. I look forward to meeting again here soon.

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Today’s Russian papers call the Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow “a record attack”, but claim “Russian attacks do more damage to Ukraine than they do to us.” One paper wonders: “From Moscow’s perspective, what level of escalation is permissible, and what isn’t?” #ReadingRussia

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How are Russian newspapers reacting to the Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow?

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

From today’s Russian papers: “The number of Russian regions with restrictions on the sale of fuel is multiplying.” The reason given? “Unscheduled repairs at oil refineries.” #ReadingRussia

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“Unscheduled repairs at oil refineries” causing "restrictions on fuel sales" in some Russian regions

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Today’s Russian papers publish Moscow’s threat to launch a new wave of “systematic strikes” on Kyiv. But one paper reports on a “split [inside Russia] between those in favour of continuing the special military operation and those who believe it’s time to end it…” #ReadingRussia

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Russia: reports of a "split" on whether or not to end Russia's war on Ukraine

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Today’s Russian papers lead with the strike on the student dorm in Starobilsk. Also today, one newspaper suggests that through Russian history “major geopolitical losses were sometimes more useful than brilliant victories.” #ReadingRussia youtu.be/AQw7qeS3t5U

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Today’s Russian papers: the student dorm attack & one article I didn’t expect

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

In today’s Russian papers: “nuclear muscle-flexing,” carrots and cabbages, “two scenarios” for Russia’s future and what a Russian singer said after getting an award from Vladimir Putin. #ReadingRussia

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"Russia and Belarus flex their nuclear muscles," reports Russian paper.

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

One Russian paper says Russia's “on verge of recession” & warns of “a large-scale bank liquidity crisis.” After Putin & Xi failed to reach a deal on the 'Power of Siberia 2' pipeline, another paper writes: “Chinese media ignored the topic of the gas pipeline.” #ReadingRussia

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No deal on gas pipeline at Putin-Xi meeting

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Today one Russian newspaper reports “increased anxiety” in Russian society. Another paper: Russian-Belarusian nuclear drills “send a signal to Ukraine…EU & Nato’s eastern flank”. Plus, stinging criticism of Donald Trump over his social media posts. #ReadingRussia

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"Increased anxiety" and nuclear drills: what's today's Russian papers are saying

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

What the Russian papers are saying about the massive Ukrainian drone strike: one paper calls it “audacious”, another: “one of Ukraine’s largest aerial attacks.” “It’s increasingly difficult to cut the flow of weaponry to the Ukrainian army,” concedes another. #ReadingRussia

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Russian papers react to massive Ukrainian drone attack

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

In today’s Russian papers: new restrictions on reporting drone attacks, new rules for expelling foreigners, new local governors, new data shows financial situation worsens for ¾ of large Russian industrial companies. The joke at the end is about old lifts. #ReadingRussia

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Russia: new restrictions on reporting drone attacks, new rules for expelling foreigners

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

In today’s Russian papers: • “The world's most powerful missile”; • Russia downgrades economic growth forecast; • Russians turn to cash due to mobile internet shutdowns & “rumours” over bank deposits. #ReadingRussia

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"Powerful missiles" & "Downgraded Growth Forecasts" in today's Russian papers

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

On Saturday Vladimir Putin seemed to suggest the war in Ukraine was “coming to an end.” Today one Russia paper claims that “trying to interpret what he meant is like fortune-telling.” And will there, or won’t there, be talks with Europe? #ReadingRussia

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Putin hints Ukraine war "is coming to an end." Do today's Russian papers agree?

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

“Something rather unusual is happening right now inside Russia.” My dispatch for BBC Radio’s From Our Own Correspondent.

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"Something rather unusual is happening in Russia." My BBC radio dispatch.

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

In this morning’s Russian newspapers: Moscow warns Kyiv not to target the Red Square parade; problems with Russian bonds, with “almost 25% of the bond market at risk of default”; and what a newspaper joke section is saying about the state of the Russian economy. #ReadingRussia

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Russian parade warning, economic worries: I read today's Russian papers

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Just got this text from my Moscow mobile operator: “During preparations for & the holding of holiday events May 5-9 temporary restrictions to mobile internet & text messaging are possible in Moscow & Moscow region. This may cause difficulties with cashless payments, use of ATMs & GPS services.”

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Judging by what I read in Russian newspapers, jokes about economic problems & internet restrictions are permitted. Can’t see any jokes about the president.

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What Russian newspapers do (and do not) joke about

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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Steve Rosenberg @bbcstever.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

In today’s Russian papers: Victory Day parade on Red Square to be scaled-back. Plus, Russia’s Digital Development Minister pledges to “fulfil the task of reducing VPN use” in Russia. One option: “the introduction of civil liability for using a VPN.” #ReadingRussia

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Russia steps up VPN crackdown

YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

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