Meet the BBC’s last reporter remaining in Russia: “It feels like we’re in the eye of the storm”

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Steve Rosenberg is the BBC’s correspondent covering Russia, and currently the only BBC journalist still reporting from within the country.

Having lived in Moscow for over three decades, he’s witnessed a lot of change – from the Communist period to the time of Boris Yeltsin, then Vladimir Putin, and now the current conflict in Ukraine, marked by the military symbol ‘Z’.

Though journalists are often detained, arrested and tried, he continues to report from the country.

You’re currently based in Moscow, but not in your usual office?

A pipe burst and flooded our main office, so we’re temporarily working from a smaller apartment. We even had to create a makeshift recording booth using blankets and a desk!

What were you doing when Russia invaded Ukraine, four years ago?

The news desk in London called and woke me up. I quickly got out of bed, got dressed, and hurried to the office. It was an incredibly busy day – I was constantly on air, broadcasting live and contributing reports to the main TV news programs. There wasn’t a moment to breathe. By the end of it all, I realized this was a turning point, and life would never be the same.

As the only BBC reporter in Russia, what’s a typical day like?

Ten years ago, it was difficult to get media coverage, but that’s no longer the case. My day starts early – I wake up around 5am after about four or five hours of sleep and walk our rescue dog, Laila. Then, after breakfast, I head to the office and scan news sources for content to share on social media. Despite the tightly controlled media landscape, you can still find interesting information in sources like the Russian press. However, the situation is constantly changing, making it feel unsettling, like we’re right in the middle of a crisis.

How is it, in the eye of the storm?

Life in Moscow feels surprisingly normal on the surface, but the reality of the war is impossible to ignore. You see ads recruiting soldiers and encounter people who’ve been wounded. Many Russians are trying to avoid facing the situation, but it’s getting harder to do so as the number of casualties rises and the economy worsens. Even the news is starting to openly acknowledge these problems.

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With only a handful of Western journalists left in Russia, do you constantly assess the risk?

Following the arrest and imprisonment of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich (who was later released in 2024 after over a year and a half in custody), many foreign journalists left Russia, which was a natural reaction. While there’s always some risk for us, Russian journalists who speak out against the government face far greater danger.

In 2021, the BBC’s Sarah Rainsford was asked to leave the country, and many journalists from BBC Russia left Moscow as a result. Do you ever wish you could be back in a busy newsroom?

My wife and playing the piano are my escapes from the chaos I’ve been experiencing – it feels like my life has been completely disrupted. And Laila, our daughter, brings us so much joy – it’s wonderful to come home to her.

Aside from Vladimir Putin, who would you like to interview there?

I befriended Valentina, a kind elderly woman with a wonderful smile who sold newspapers at a local kiosk. I often filmed our chats – with her permission – and shared them online. Her kiosk felt like a peaceful haven amidst the city’s chaos. Sadly, she moved from Moscow to southern Russia, and I really miss her. She embodied everything I initially loved about Russia – its spirit and warmth – before things changed so dramatically.

What’s it like asking President Putin a question at his annual, five-hour press conference?

The whole situation is pretty daunting. It’s a major event, broadcast live on Russian state TV to millions of viewers. He often speaks before you even get to ask your question, possibly to throw you off balance. Last year, he mentioned the BBC, but I didn’t let it distract me – you have to stay focused. I always ask what I need to ask, directly.

How does President Putin come across in person?

He mistakenly believed he was unbeatable, and that’s why he decided to invade Ukraine. He expected his military operation to be quick – just a matter of days – but he was wrong.

Having lived in Russia for 30 years, how did you feel when the invasion happened?

It felt like the Russia I had known for so long had disappeared. While the places I recognized – like the Bolshoi Ballet and my neighborhood grocery store – were still there, everything felt different. The letter “Z,” representing the military operation, started appearing everywhere. Then, new laws were introduced that suppressed any form of opposition, and relations with Western countries collapsed. This made our lives feel very uncertain.

You went off-air for a short time?

After the new, restrictive laws were enacted, my London superiors temporarily stopped our broadcasts so lawyers could review them and ensure our safety. We were off the air for three days, and during that time I composed a piece called “Isolation” on the piano. It reflected my feeling that Russia had been abruptly cut off from the global community. I was permitted to share this music, and in a way, it became another form of reporting on the events unfolding.

You’ve been on-air since, but your job comes with great challenges — not least being followed?

When I travel outside of Moscow, I often encounter people who seem to be monitoring my movements. I’ve become accustomed to it, and usually they don’t interfere with my work. The best approach is to just stay focused and continue what I’m doing.

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It’s a stark change – you went from being a welcomed guest on Russian television during the Eurovision Song Contest in the 90s to now being insulted on air with a rather unpleasant nickname. How do you feel about that shift?

Squirrels are adorable. Someone has labeled me an opponent of Russia, which is untrue and upsetting. I dedicated five years to learning the Russian language and have lived in Russia for over thirty years.

I developed a deep appreciation for Russian culture, even marrying a Russian woman. Many Russians still value a connection with Britain, and I often experience their warmth firsthand – people will shake my hand or ask to take a photo with me. This suggests that despite strong anti-British messaging on Russian state TV, it doesn’t always reflect what people truly feel.

You start your day incredibly early, broadcasting live on Radio 4’s Today program and then appearing on BBC television news. With such a demanding schedule, how do you find time to unwind?

I admit it’s a little embarrassing, but I love rewatching classic 1970s British sitcoms from my childhood on YouTube. My job is pretty stressful, so shows like Dad’s Army or Yes Minister are a great way to relax. With everything changing in the world, it’s comforting to revisit those simpler times.

My grandma discovered an old box of family papers, and inside was my great-grandfather’s passport from when he left Russia in 1894. We always heard he was trying to get to America and had even purchased a ticket. However, when the ship reached England, the captain unexpectedly announced they were all disembarking there instead.

How do you feel about the future?

The past four years have been incredibly difficult, particularly for Ukraine, with widespread death and devastation. Russia’s actions have been deeply troubling, and have severely challenged my hope for the future. However, positive interactions I’ve had with individual Russians suggest that things may improve.

Do you ever fancy an easier job?

Not at the moment! I think, in a sense, my whole life has led up to this.

Authors

Sherna Noah

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2026-02-09 20:36