Global News Podcast (BBC World Service)

The Global Story: The Tightrope of Reporting in Putin’s Russia

Date: February 22, 2026
Host: Tristan Redman
Guest: Steve Rosenberg (BBC Russia Editor, Moscow)

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the precarious reality of reporting from Russia under Vladimir Putin, narrated through the long career of Steve Rosenberg, the BBC's Russia editor and one of the few Western journalists still in Moscow. The discussion explores how reporting conditions have changed amid war, censorship, and growing hostility toward the free press. Rosenberg reflects on his personal fascination with Russia, the evolution of Russian society and politics from the 1980s to today, and the delicate balance of telling the truth without endangering himself or his sources.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Steve Rosenberg's Journey to Russia

• Early Fascination with Russia
  • Rosenberg's interest began at age 12, watching a BBC Russian language course in 1980.

    “There was something about the Russian language which was enchanting. The sounds of the letters.” — Steve Rosenberg (06:01)

• Arrival and the Fall of the Soviet Union
  • Moved to Moscow in 1991 right before the Soviet collapse:

    “It said USSR on my visa, but there was no country, the ussr. The hammer and sickle was hastily taken away.” — Steve Rosenberg (07:36)

  • Worked first as an English teacher, then moved into broadcasting with CBS News amidst Russia’s turbulent transition to capitalism.

2. The 1990s: Optimism & Openness

• Russia appeared to open to the West.
  • Rosenberg was warmly received as a Westerner and even invited onto national TV for their “White Parrot Club” comedy show (08:18).
  • Symbolism of joint optimism:

    “It was the start of a great new world. And it just didn’t work out.” — Steve Rosenberg (10:38)

3. The Shift: Putin's Rise and Growing Control

• Putin’s Inauguration
  • Rosenberg’s reporting career begins on the day Boris Yeltsin resigns and Putin steps in (11:03).
  • Noted difference in leadership: Yeltsin tolerated criticism; Putin quickly consolidated power ("restoring order" meant restoring Kremlin control).
• Roots of Authoritarianism Went Deeper
  • “The seeds of what’s happening now were sown, I think, in the 1990s.” — Steve Rosenberg (12:55)

4. War in Ukraine: The New Reality for Journalists (2022–Present)

• Sudden Restrictions
  • Post-invasion, Russia passed repressive laws silencing dissent and tightening media control (13:55).
  • BBC paused its reporting for legal review; the uncertainty was palpable.

    “That felt very, very strange with such dramatic events swirling around us. We went silent.” — Steve Rosenberg (14:17)

• Isolation and Shrinking Newsrooms
  • Most international and Russian BBC colleagues left for safety, leaving only a handful behind; a bustling bureau became a “very quiet ghost townie newsroom.” (15:38)
• Working Under Surveillance
  • In the regions, persistent monitoring by authorities and individuals filming reporters is commonplace.

    “Quite often you get the feeling that there are people following you.” — Steve Rosenberg (16:57)

  • Rosenberg balances caution with determination:

    “I wouldn’t ask people on the streets, do you support the war? …that could get people into trouble.” (17:43)

5. Gauging Russian Sentiment Under Repression

• Despite risk, Rosenberg finds indirect ways to assess public opinion.
  • Many Russians are “tired of this war,” increasingly affected by casualties and sanctions (17:53).

    “There are masses of questions that you can ask people to get a sense of the mood on the streets.” — Steve Rosenberg (17:48)

6. The Tightrope: Questioning Putin

• Rare Opportunities & Strategic Approach
  • Annual Putin press conferences: Rosenberg describes “shutting [myself] off,” endlessly rewriting questions, wary of phrasing (20:48).

    “Where I can say war, where I can’t say war. You have to think so hard about the phrasing of a question and practice it.” — Steve Rosenberg (21:30)

• Recent Experience (2025 Press Conference)
  • Asked about Russia’s future, repression, and war; Putin responded with a “9 and a half minute reply” marked by resentment toward the West (22:18).

    “He believes that he’s got the edge now, that he’s got the initiative on the battlefield. Now, whether he’s right or not is another matter.” — Steve Rosenberg (23:54)

  • Russian media then swamps Rosenberg for his reaction (24:11).

7. Personal Risks and Motivation

• Respect from Some, Uncertainty from All
  • Hopes his longstanding commitment earns him some respect, but stays aware he could be expelled any moment (24:44).

    “It does feel like I’m on this tightrope whenever I go in front of the camera… I want to report honestly… But I’m well aware that down below there’s a minefield.” (24:58)

• Why Continue?
  • Sees Russia’s unfolding story as one of endless, seismic change—an open-ended history.

    “Probably this story is going to go on and on and on like a Tolstoy novel.” — Steve Rosenberg (25:45)

  • “This country of extremes”: hostile rhetoric on TV one day; friendly handshakes and selfies with Muscovites the next (27:06).
  • Finds meaning in chronicling Russia’s transformation:

    “It does feel as if I’m living inside this history book which is being written before my very eyes.” — Steve Rosenberg (28:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On hope for Russia-West relations:

  “I did feel as if Britain and Russia were on this bicycle made for two and we were going to be going in the same direction.” — Steve Rosenberg (10:18)

• On the risks of reporting:

  “I want to report honestly what’s happening. But I’m well aware that down below there’s a minefield. I don’t want to fall off the tightrope and hit a mine.” — Steve Rosenberg (24:58)

• On being attacked in state media:

  “A few months ago, one of the most famous TV show hosts in Russia said that I walk around looking like a defecating squirrel. He called me an enemy of Russia.” — Steve Rosenberg (27:19)

• On his fascination with Russia’s complexity:

  “It’s this country of extremes, almost like the Russian national symbol, right? The double headed eagle. One head is sort of growling and calling you names, and the other head is saying nicer things to me.” (27:47)

• A moment of levity:

  “At least, you know, squirrels are quite cute with bushy tails. So I always look for the positives…” — Steve Rosenberg (28:53)

Key Timestamps

• Early fascination and language course: 05:18–06:09
• Arrival in Moscow and the Soviet collapse: 07:00–08:15
• White Parrot Club and cultural openness: 08:18–10:38
• Putin’s rise and journalist exodus: 11:03–13:39
• Ukrainian invasion, censorship, and isolation: 13:55–16:48
• Press freedom and dealing with repression: 16:48–18:50
• On questioning Putin: 20:24–24:34
• On walking the tightrope, Russian extremes, and hope: 24:44–28:53

Conclusion

Steve Rosenberg’s testimony vividly encapsulates the dangers, complexities, and contradictory experiences facing foreign journalists in modern Russia. Through anecdotes, reflection, and candid insights, he presents a picture of a nation at war with itself, where the press is both vilified and valued, and where the future is as uncertain as the past is turbulent. The episode ultimately asks: What kind of Russia will emerge when the endless story finally turns its next page?

To listen to more, search for “The Global Story” or “Global News Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform.