In the world of journalism, few assignments are as fraught with peril as reporting from Russia, especially under the current regime. BBC correspondent Steve Rosenberg reflects on his experiences covering the Kremlin’s tightening grip on dissent amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. His latest insights reveal the pervasive hostility foreign journalists face, exemplified by harsh personal attacks from Russian state media, including a notorious television presenter who called him a 'defecating squirrel' and described him as an 'enemy of Russia.'

Despite such vitriol, Rosenberg maintains a nuanced view of his engagement with the country. He recalls fond memories of his thirty-year connection to Russia, from early days immersed in its culture to the current challenges of reporting honestly in a landscape marked by laws that punish free speech and block international broadcasters like the BBC.

The backdrop of hostility and propaganda contrasts sharply with moments of warmth he finds among everyday Russians, who express gratitude for his presence even amidst the state's hostility towards foreign media. This duality captures a significant transformation in Russia’s sociopolitical climate, especially since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that marked a clear shift in international relations.

Rosenberg’s narrative is not just a story of personal affront but serves as a broader commentary on the implications of war for press freedoms, democracy, and interpersonal relations within a now-divided world.