Steve Rosenberg: In Russia, Botox Booming. But Economic Situation "Worse Than Forecast," Russian Papers Warn

Apr 17, 2026 | Today’s Russian papers report on Russia’s economic problems: “Managed cooling has turned into accelerating decline”; “economic situation worse than forecast”; “in a few months the IT industry may be in ruins.” But Botox foot injections are booming.

Why Is Trump Letting Russia Help Target US Troops?

Sir Bill Browder answers the question.

Orbán’s Defeat Is a 'Victory for the West' | Sir Bill Browder

Apr 13, 2026 | “It's a very dangerous thing, politically, to be so pro-Putin and that's been borne out by yesterday's election in Hungary.”

The historic defeat of Viktor Orbán in yesterday’s Hungarian election shows that Vladimir Putin’s efforts to exert soft power in the West are proving unpopular domestically, says head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign Sir Bill Browder.

Steve Rosenberg: "Rabble Rousers" & "Dried-up Brussels Sprouts": Russian Press Reacts to Orbán's Defeat

Apr 14, 2026 | Russia’s government paper: “What went against Orbán was his unprecedentedly long time in office...16 years in a row, 20 in total. The fatigue factor, growing tired of the same people is psychologically understandable.”

Péter Magyar: Ukraine Has ‘Full Right’ to Defend its Sovereignty

Péter Magyar speaks on the issue.

Steve Rosenberg: How Are Russian Newspapers Reacting to Viktor Orbán's Defeat?

Apr 12, 2026 | Here’s a look at what this morning’s Russian papers are saying about the Hungarian election and the defeat of Viktor Orbán. Plus, reports of “layoffs, production cuts” in Russia.

Viktor Orbán Has Lost an Election. Vladimir Putin Has Lost a Trump Card

Steve Rosenberg reporting from Moscow.

Steve Rosenberg: "Forecasts of a Deeper, More Protracted Recession in Russia": Russian Paper

Aug 10, 2026 | In today’s Russian papers: latest data “rules out stabilisation or economic growth [in Russia]…forecasts of a deeper & more protracted recession.” Plus, Russian kindergartens to teach “traditional values” via games. And watch to the end for a Russian joke that’s a real puzzle...

Steve Rosenberg: Russian Paper: "Only the Feverish Mind of the US President Can Consider This a Triumphant Victory"

Apr 9, 2026 | Donald Trump may have declared ‘total and complete victory’ after a ceasefire with Iran. But today’s Russian newspapers don’t agree. One writes: “Only the feverish mind of the American president himself can consider this a triumphant victory.”

Steve Rosenberg: "Warnings of a [Russian] Economic Crisis Grow Louder" - Russian Newspaper Headline

Apr 8, 2026 | Despite high oil prices boosting export revenues, these are some of the headlines in today’s Russian papers: “Warnings of an economic crisis [in Russia] grow louder” and “A reduction in purchases by Russians is ringing alarm bells for the economy.”

Steve Rosenberg: Russian Paper: "People Believe Less and Less What Trump Says."

April 7, 2026

Steve Rosenberg: Russian Newspaper Admits that Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Oil Facilities Having Consequences

Apr 6, 2026 | Today one Russian paper concedes that Ukrainian drone attacks “…on [Russian] oil refining facilities did not pass without trace…the government had to freeze petrol exports until July 1. Euphoria over extra revenues from high oil prices is unjustified.”

Epstein Files: How the DoJ Could Be Covering Up Links between Trump and Russia | FourSight Interview

Apr 3, 2026 | Senator Sheldon Whitehouse recently gave a speech on the floor of the Senate criticising Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice for failing to investigate alleged links between President Trump, Jeffrey Epstein and Russia. It was watched millions of times.

Senator Whitehouse claims Epstein could have passed Vladimir Putin or other key Russia figures so-called kompromat - compromising material - on Trump. And that, he claims, could explain the President’s relationship with Putin - particularly throughout the Ukraine war.

President Trump has called claims of kompromat “fake news”, and previously said allegations of links to Russia are “a hoax” and a “witch hunt” instigated by his political opponents. Vladimir Putin has also denied Russia having any compromising material on the US President.

We wanted to hear from Senator Whitehouse just what it’s been like for politicians in the US as they try to wade through the Epstein Files and deal with the Department of Justice - which has been widely criticised for its handling of the files.

Steve Rosenberg: A Newspaper Headline the Kremlin Will Love

Apr 2, 2026 | A Russian headline the Kremlin will love: “Trump declares he’s ready to pull America out of Nato.” Another paper today concedes “US law limits [Trump’s] ability to take a unilateral decision” on this, but suggests he can still “cause a lot of problems for the Alliance.

'Something Is Going On' Russian Internet Shutdowns Expose Putin's Weak Position | Sir Bill Browder

Mar 31, 2026 | Frontline failures, oil export crises and continued clampdowns in major cities suggest 'something is going on' as Putin appears weak despite favourable conditions on the world stage, says Bill Browder, Head of the Magnitsky Justice Campaign.

You have been watching Frontline, with Kate Gerbeau, Philip Ingram and Louis Sykes, produced by Times Radio.

Steve Rosenberg: Russians Warned Not to Meet with British Diplomats

Mar 31, 2026 | In today’s Russian newspapers: Russians warned not to meet with British diplomats. Plus, the “list of violations for which foreigners can be expelled from Russia” is set to expand & include ‘abusing freedom of the press.’

Top German Soldier Warns Russia Threat Is More Urgent Than Ever | BBC News

Mar 27, 2026 | Germany’s most senior soldier has told the BBC that western leaders must “join the dots” on the war in Iran and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, because they can no longer be seen "in separate boxes".

General Carsten Breuer, the head of the Armed Forces also warned that the threat from Russia had never been more urgent.

The General is overseeing a rapid expansion of Germany military might, which is turning the country into the most powerful conventional force in Europe, as our Special Correspondent, Allan Little reports.

Steve Rosenberg: "Once Launched, the Machine of Persecution and Punishment Can't Stop…” - Russian Newspaper

Mar 26, 2026 | Another critical editorial today in Nezavisimaya Gazeta: “The scope for prohibition [in Russia] becomes almost unlimited. Once launched, the machine of persecution and punishment cannot stop…

Steve Rosenberg: Russian Newspaper Slams Internet Blackouts & Growing Restrictions inside Russia

Mar 25, 2026 | In the Russian papers you won't find criticism of Russia’s war on Ukraine. But one paper today has an editorial slamming internet blackouts and increasing restrictions in Russia: “Where is the cut-off point, the line in our personal & collective experience we’re not prepared to cross, where we would say no, we can’t live without this, we don’t want to?”

Steve Rosenberg: Surprising Criticism of Russian Authorities in Mainstream Russian Newspaper

Mar 23, 2026 | From a mainstream Russian tabloid, surprising criticism of the authorities: “Either they see us as kids too small & brainless to be trusted or have anything explained to us [or] the system has become so unbalanced one part no longer understands what the other is doing.”