Our man in Moscow
BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg believes his continued ability to report from Moscow is largely due to Vladimir Putin’s desire for Russia to be viewed as a global superpower—an image that, in his view, requires tolerating the presence of international news organizations.
Like correspondents from other Western outlets in countries such as France, Germany, and Italy, as well as networks like Sky News, Rosenberg knows he is constantly balancing on a knife-edge, aware that he could be expelled from the country at any moment.
His position remains precarious. He holds only a three-month visa, and its renewal is typically delayed until the final day, a recurring reminder of how fragile his situation is.
“I don’t kid myself—this could end tomorrow,” Rosenberg said while accepting the 2025 Charles Wheeler Award for his outstanding contribution to broadcast journalism.
“Every time I file a report, I feel like I’m walking a narrow line—a tightrope stretched over a minefield of repressive laws designed to punish criticism of the Russian state or so-called anti-Russian rhetoric in the media.
“But Russia considers itself a great power,” he added. “And as a center of global influence, it hosts journalists from around the world.
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