‘Enemy’ Insults and Questioning Putin: Steve Rosenberg on the Tightrope of Reporting from Russia
Steve Rosenberg, the BBC’s Russia editor, faces the unique challenge of navigating a precarious landscape while reporting from a country where dissent is increasingly silenced. His experiences provide a vital window into the complexities of journalism under a regime defined by hostility towards the West.
A Glimpse into Hostility
On his Russian TV show, notorious presenter Vladimir Solovyov launched a blistering attack on the UK, emphasizing the growing animosity that foreign correspondents like Rosenberg confront daily. We still haven’t destroyed London or Birmingham, Solovyov declared vehemently. He went on to disparage Rosenberg, dubbing him “Steve Rotten-berg” and likening him to a defecating squirrel, a notorious obsession with unfriendly metaphors.
Despite these insults, Rosenberg remains undeterred; after all, a solid sense of humor is necessary for anyone navigating the Russian media landscape. Yet being branded an “enemy of Russia” cuts deep, a stark reminder of the risks he faces.
The War’s Context: A Dark Shift
Rosenberg has spent over 30 years in Moscow, deeply intertwined with its culture through language and music. His affection for Russia has been overshadowed by the stark realities following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This act marked the onset of Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II, but it was not an isolated event; the 2014 annexation of Crimea and escalating tensions had long been premonitions.
With the invasion, the Kremlin imposed draconian laws to stifle dissent and restrict the media. Reporting from Russia took on the feel of a high-wire act, where the stakes are perilously high. Navigating this landscape has become increasingly unsafe, highlighted by the arrest of Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich on espionage charges, a case widely regarded as a sham.
Challenges for Western Media
In a climate where the Russian government denounces foreign journalists as unfriendly, Rosenberg’s team at the BBC Moscow office has dwindled. Visa renewals are no longer a formality; they require rigorous scrutiny every three months. Many potential sources are hesitant to speak, fearing the repercussions of being associated with the BBC at such a sensitive time. Despite this, invitations to Kremlin events continue to trickle in, offering fleeting opportunities for crucial insights.
Engaging with President Putin at press conferences offers glimpses into the leader’s worldview. Rosenberg’s inquiry regarding possible future military operations elicited a revealing response from Putin, who suggested that respect for Russia’s interests could mitigate further aggression. This raises pressing concerns about what happens if those interests remain unacknowledged.
Shifting Geopolitical Dynamics
Under President Trump, Moscow has perceived a thaw in U.S.-Russian relations, with initiatives intended to foster dialogue. Yet, the Kremlin continues to direct its anti-Western rhetoric primarily at the European Union and the UK, indicating a strategic recalibration away from the United States.
Reflections on a Changing Russia
Rosenberg recalls a time when cultural exchanges flourished, contrasting it with the current context marked by distrust and division. In 1997, he appeared on a popular Russian comedy show with a light atmosphere, where laughter and camaraderie between cultures flourished. Fast forward, and it’s evident that goodwill has dissipated, replaced by a growing chasm fueled by a protracted conflict.
Interactions like that with Vera, a participant at a pro-Putin rally who expressed a shocking priority for her son to serve in the army rather than idling at home, capture the paradox of public sentiment in Russia. While some remain fiercely loyal, others are deeply conflicted about the war and its human cost.
Conclusion: The Tightrope of Reporting
The duality of the Russian spirit is reflected in the reactions Rosenberg experiences—while many hurl insults, others express gratitude for his presence and report. This symbolic dichotomy underscores the complexity of modern Russian identity, where one head growls in hostility while the other extends a hand in friendship.
As the conflict unfolds, the future of Ukraine, Russia, and Europe hangs in the balance. Rosenberg’s role remains crucial, reminding audiences worldwide of the courage it takes to report from a region embroiled in turmoil, balancing truth with the inherent risks of being branded an enemy.