Steve Rosenberg

BBC correspondent Steve Rosenberg examines Russia's presidential election, which the Kremlin frames as part of its broader confrontation with the West, coining the phrase a 'special election operation' in reference to its war in Ukraine. His reporting highlights deepening pessimism among ordinary Russians, with little doubt about the outcome, widespread apathy toward politics, and growing anxiety about the economy and the country's future under Vladimir Putin.

A Russian newspaper has issued a warning about the "deterioration of the economic situation" in Russia, according to the BBC's Steve Rosenberg. The remark from a domestic publication is drawing attention because open criticism of the economy inside Russia has become rare, and it suggests growing concern over the impact of sanctions, high interest rates and war spending on ordinary Russians.