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 published a warning about a "deterioration of the economic situation" in Russia, a striking admission given tight control over domestic media. BBC correspondent Steve Rosenberg highlighted the warning, and it has drawn wide attention as observers point to sanctions, high interest rates and mounting budget pressures weighing on the Russian economy. Commenters are reading the piece as a rare sign of official-adjacent concern about the country's financial outlook.