‘Enemy’ Insults and Questioning Putin: Steve Rosenberg on the Tightrope of Reporting From Russia

For BBC journalist Steve Rosenberg, reporting from Russia has never been simple. But in recent years, the job has become an exercise in constant caution, personal risk, and professional resolve. Labeled an “enemy” by state-aligned commentators and closely watched by authorities, Rosenberg’s work highlights the extraordinary pressures facing foreign correspondents operating inside a country where dissent is increasingly criminalized.
Rosenberg, the BBC’s longtime Russia editor, has spent decades covering the Kremlin and its leadership. His role places him at the heart of one of the world’s most tightly controlled media environments, where critical questioning of President Vladimir Putin can carry consequences not only for journalists but also for their local contacts.
Walking a Narrow Line
Foreign reporters in Russia must navigate a system of laws that restrict speech about the military, the war in Ukraine, and the government. New legislation introduced since 2022 makes it illegal to publish information that contradicts official narratives, with penalties including heavy fines and prison sentences.
Rosenberg has described his work as “walking a tightrope” between asking legitimate journalistic questions and ensuring his reporting does not endanger colleagues or sources.
“You have to think not just about what you ask, but how it will be interpreted,” he has said in interviews. “Every word matters.”
At press conferences, Rosenberg is one of the few Western journalists still able to question Putin directly. His queries often focus on economic pressures, sanctions, and the war’s impact on ordinary Russians—topics that rarely receive open discussion on state television.
Becoming a Target
These questions have made Rosenberg a familiar face not only to international audiences but also to Russian state media critics. Pro-government commentators have accused him of spreading “hostile propaganda” and portraying Russia negatively for Western audiences.
In one widely circulated television segment, he was mocked as an “enemy journalist,” a label that reflects a broader narrative portraying foreign media as agents of outside influence. The rhetoric has intensified as relations between Russia and Western nations have deteriorated.
Such attacks are not merely symbolic. Media experts say they increase risks for journalists by framing them as political actors rather than neutral observers.
“When journalists are branded as enemies, it creates an atmosphere where harassment and intimidation feel justified,” said a researcher with a global press freedom organization.
Questioning Power in Public
One of Rosenberg’s most notable moments came during a press conference when he asked Putin about the long-term economic consequences of war and isolation. The exchange, broadcast internationally, underscored the rare opportunity to challenge the Russian president publicly.
Putin responded sharply, dismissing the premise of the question and insisting that Russia’s economy was stronger than Western governments claimed. The interaction became emblematic of the tension between controlled messaging and journalistic inquiry.
For Rosenberg, such moments represent the core of his profession.
“If journalists stop asking difficult questions, then power goes unchallenged,” he has said. “That’s not journalism.”
Risks Beyond the Reporter
The dangers of reporting from Russia extend far beyond the correspondent alone. Local producers, translators, and drivers face even greater risks because they are Russian citizens subject to domestic laws.
Many foreign news organizations have reduced their presence in Russia precisely because of concerns for staff safety. Several Western outlets closed their Moscow bureaus after reporters were threatened with prosecution.
Rosenberg has acknowledged that every report must consider the safety of those who assist him.
“You’re not just responsible for yourself,” he has noted. “You’re responsible for the people who help you tell the story.”
A Shrinking Space for Independent Media
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia has effectively dismantled independent journalism. Major outlets such as Novaya Gazeta have been forced to suspend operations or relocate abroad. Social media platforms are restricted, and many journalists have fled the country.
Within this environment, foreign correspondents like Rosenberg serve as one of the few remaining windows into Russian political life for international audiences. Their presence, however limited, provides rare firsthand reporting rather than reliance solely on official statements.
Media analysts argue that this role has become more important as state propaganda tightens its grip.
“When information is tightly controlled, even small moments of accountability matter,” said one academic specializing in authoritarian media systems.
Psychological Toll
Reporting under constant scrutiny takes an emotional toll. Rosenberg has spoken of the stress of knowing that any misstep could lead to expulsion or worse. The pressure is compounded by online harassment and personal attacks.
Yet he continues to work in Moscow, driven by a belief that direct reporting is essential.
“Russia is too important to be covered only from the outside,” he has said. “You need eyes and ears on the ground.”
The Future of Foreign Reporting in Russia
As geopolitical tensions persist, the future of foreign journalism in Russia remains uncertain. New restrictions could further limit access, and the risk of detention or deportation looms over every assignment.
Nevertheless, Rosenberg’s experience illustrates both the fragility and resilience of journalism in hostile environments. His reporting reflects the delicate balance between courage and caution—between asking hard questions and staying safe enough to keep asking them tomorrow.
Conclusion
Steve Rosenberg’s work embodies the challenges of modern war-time journalism: being branded an “enemy,” operating under strict laws, and questioning one of the world’s most powerful leaders in a climate of suspicion and control. His story is not just about one reporter, but about the broader struggle for truthful reporting in an age of disinformation and repression.
As long as foreign journalists remain in Russia, they will continue to walk that narrow path—seeking facts in a system designed to obscure them, and reminding the world that even under pressure, journalism still matters.