Steve Rosenberg

Conversation in Moscow:
"What hopes do you have for peace?"
"None."
"What could bring peace closer?"
"A miracle."

In this extended Reading Russia: a revolution, a war, an election and an exhibition.

After the US midterms, one Russian paper this morning: “The main reason for the Republicans’ failure is clear – and its name is Trump.” Another: “Most voters are tired of Trump’s political shows…tired of being deceived, tired of being told ‘sugar’, but it doesn’t taste any sweeter.’ #ReadingRussia

“There’s a war on!” I notice the word ‘war’ increasingly in the Russian press, though officially Moscow still refers to its ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine. In today’s papers: enemies, drone attacks & what may become “the longest investment crisis in modern Russian history.” #ReadingRussia

In today’s Russian papers: reaction to the evacuation from Oleshky, cuts to social spending in Russia (but increased spending on ‘defence’) & why Moscow has its eye on the US midterms. #ReadingRussia

“There are political repressions taking place. Now they’ve reached us.” Journalist and Nobel laureate Dmitry Muratov tells me how the Russian authorities have “strangled” Russia’s most prominent independent newspaper. Novaya Gazeta is closing down. #ReadingRussia