Europe
Challenges of reporting from Russia as a foreign journalist
A BBC editor responsible for Russia coverage discusses the challenges of reporting from Moscow as a British journalist.
A prominent Russian television host has launched a verbal attack on the UK during a recent broadcast.
It is fortunate that this individual does not have control over nuclear arsenal decisions.
Vladimir Solovyov made several provocative statements, including "We still haven't destroyed London or Birmingham" and "We haven't wiped all this British scum from the face of the earth."
His tone conveyed a sense of dissatisfaction.
Solovyov also criticized the BBC and a specific individual, Steve Rottenberg, stating "We haven't kicked out the goddamned BBC with that Steve Rottenberg" and likening him to "a defecating squirrel," labeling him "a conscious enemy of our country."
A unique perspective is offered through the eyes of a BBC correspondent based in Russia, providing a glimpse into a distinct world.
The documentary Our Man in Moscow, produced for BBC Panorama, follows the BBC Moscow bureau over the course of a year, during which time the Kremlin has continued its military actions in Ukraine, increased domestic restrictions, and developed a relationship with President Trump.
A comment comparing someone to a squirrel is not particularly bothersome, given the endearing nature of these animals and their ability to withstand challenges – a quality that is also essential for foreign correspondents in this environment.
However, being labeled an "enemy of Russia" is a different matter altogether and can be hurtful.
With over thirty years of experience living and working in Moscow, a deep appreciation has been developed for the Russian language, literature, and music, stemming from early interests that began during university days in Leeds, where involvement in a choir performing Russian folk songs was a highlight, including a self-composed piece about a snowman's unfortunate melting due to excessive clothing.
The Russia I was familiar with underwent a significant transformation in February 2022, much like the ephemeral nature of a snowman. The country's large-scale invasion of Ukraine marked a pivotal point, plunging it into a period of darkness. The conflict, termed a "special military operation" by President Putin, would go on to become the most devastating war in Europe since World War Two, resulting in substantial loss of life.
In retrospect, the events of 2022 were not an isolated incident, but rather a culmination of escalating tensions. Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its alleged involvement in fueling an armed insurgency in eastern Ukraine had already strained relations with Western nations. These actions had set the stage for the deteriorating situation that would eventually unfold.
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine served as a turning point, altering the trajectory of Russia's relationships with the global community.
In the aftermath of the invasion, the Russian government implemented a series of restrictive laws aimed at suppressing dissent and limiting criticism of the authorities. As a result, media outlets, including the BBC, faced censorship. For journalists, reporting from Russia became a delicate task, requiring careful navigation of the complex and ever-changing legal landscape to provide accurate and truthful accounts of events.
The 2023 arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, a US citizen, highlighted the risks faced by foreign journalists in Russia. Gershkovich was convicted of espionage charges and sentenced to sixteen months in prison. The case was widely criticized by his employer, the US government, and Gershkovich himself, who denounced the charges as baseless and the trial as a sham.
The Moscow office of the BBC has undergone significant downsizing, and the remaining team is working together to overcome the obstacles of covering Russia-related news on a daily basis.
When entering or exiting Russia, producer Ben Tavener and I frequently encounter extra scrutiny. As journalists from nations deemed "unfriendly" by the Russian government, including the UK, we are no longer eligible for one-year permits; instead, our visas and accreditation must be renewed quarterly.
A number of individuals who previously contributed to our reporting are now hesitant to participate, likely due to concerns about being linked to the BBC during a period of elevated international tensions.
Despite these challenges, the BBC, along with other Western media outlets that maintain a presence in Russia, continues to receive invitations to official Kremlin events.
On occasion, I have the opportunity to pose questions directly to President Putin.
A single exchange between a journalist and the Russian president at a press conference can be highly revealing, offering a glimpse into the leader's mindset and priorities.
According to analysts, Vladimir Putin's actions are motivated by a sense of grievance towards the West, stemming from Nato's eastward expansion and perceived disrespect from Western leaders, with some critics alleging that he seeks to reestablish Russia's dominance in the region.
During a press conference last December, I posed a question to President Putin regarding the possibility of future military interventions, as part of a broader inquiry into his strategic plans.
The president responded by stating that Russia would not initiate any new military operations if its interests were acknowledged and respected by other nations.
This statement begs a follow-up question: what course of action might Vladimir Putin take if he determines that Russia's interests are not being respected by the international community?
Following Donald Trump's return to the White House, Moscow has perceived a shift in Washington's stance, with the US appearing to show greater deference. The Alaska summit in August saw the US president extend a warm welcome to Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin, despite the meeting's failure to yield an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
However, not all developments have favored Moscow. The recent capture of Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, by US troops has been a setback for Russia, as Maduro was a key ally. Furthermore, the US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic has also been a point of contention.
Over the past 12 months, the Kremlin has been notable for its relative restraint in criticizing the US. This suggests that Moscow is banking on its relationship with the Trump administration to help bring an end to the Ukraine conflict on terms that are advantageous to Russia.
As a result, the majority of anti-Western sentiment expressed in Russian state media is now directed towards the European Union and the UK, rather than the US.
The current state of affairs marks a significant departure from the past.
A notable invitation in 1997 was to appear on the Russian television comedy program "The White Parrot Club", which featured a charismatic white parrot named Arkasha. The show's format involved Russian celebrities gathered in a bar setting, where they would share British jokes and express their admiration for the United Kingdom.
Yuri Nikulin, a renowned film legend, reflected on his experiences during World War Two, stating, "In 1944, I was stationed on the frontline. The Allies' decision to open the Second Front in 1944 had a profound impact on our efforts, and we owe a great debt of gratitude to Britain for their support."
During my appearance on the show, I was asked to perform a British-themed song. Seated at the piano, I chose to sing "Daisy! Daisy!" and a tune about a "bicycle made for two", which was well-received by the audience.
The atmosphere in the Moscow bar that evening was one of camaraderie, with Britain seemingly held in high regard by the Russian attendees. It was a moment that suggested a new era of cooperation between Russia and the West, with the tensions of the Cold War era appearing to be a thing of the past.
However, this optimism ultimately proved to be short-lived.
Over the past three decades, the situation has dramatically shifted from a comparison to "white parrots" to one of "defecating squirrels", marking a significant change.
A more alarming development is the pivot from aspirations of East-West cooperation to a protracted four-year conflict in Europe, which has had a profoundly detrimental impact on Ukraine.
The outcome of this conflict will have far-reaching consequences, not only for Ukraine and Russia, but also for the future of the European continent as a whole.
The past four years have been punctuated by numerous shocking events, including a memorable encounter with Vera at a carefully staged pro-Putin rally in 2022, where I inquired about her family and learned she had a son.
I then posed a follow-up question to Vera, inquiring if she was concerned that her son might be conscripted into the military and deployed to Ukraine.
Vera expressed a preference for her son to be fighting in Ukraine over idly engaging in trouble at home, citing the high number of unemployed young men in the area who often spend their time drinking.
However, not all interactions have been hostile; following TV host Vladimir Solovyov's public labeling of the individual as an "enemy of Russia," several residents of Moscow approached to offer handshakes and request photographs.
This duality is reminiscent of Russia's national emblem, the double-headed eagle, which seems to embody the country's contradictory nature, with one aspect being confrontational and the other being welcoming.
The contrasting facets of Russian sentiment are exemplified by the coexistence of hostility and gratitude, as evidenced by the simultaneous presence of aggressive rhetoric and expressions of appreciation.
Europe
De Zerbi and Marseille part ways by mutual agreement
Marseille has parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi, whose tenure included guiding the team to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 the previous season, after the club’s Champions League elimination and a 5-0 loss to Paris St-Germain.
Prior to his tenure at Marseille, Roberto de Zerbi held managerial positions at Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton.
Marseille has announced that Roberto de Zerbi is no longer the club's manager, with the two parties agreeing to part ways.
The decision to end de Zerbi's tenure comes on the heels of a significant loss to Paris St-Germain, with a score of 5-0, as well as the team's elimination from the Champions League after a 3-0 loss to Club Brugge.
De Zerbi assumed the role of manager at Marseille in the summer of 2024, following his departure from Brighton, where he had been in charge for nearly two years.
During his time at Marseille, de Zerbi led the team to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 the previous season, and at the time of his departure, the club was ranked fourth in the league, trailing leaders Paris St-Germain by 12 points.
A statement released by Marseille confirmed that the club and de Zerbi had mutually agreed to end their collaboration, marking the end of his tenure as coach of the first team.
According to the club, the decision to replace de Zerbi was made after consultations between key stakeholders, including the owner, president, director of football, and coach, with the goal of addressing the team's performance challenges in the remaining part of the season.
Marseille described the decision as a collective and difficult one, made with careful consideration and a focus on the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the team's current sporting challenges.
For more on this story and other football news, tune in to the latest episode of the Football Daily podcast.
Europe
Macron urges Europe to assert its global influence
The President of France has cautioned that Europe is confronting a critical moment, citing increasing threats from China, Russia, and the United States.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, is calling on Europe to establish itself as a major force globally, emphasizing the need for the continent to project its influence.
Citing increasing challenges from China, Russia, and the United States, Macron cautioned European newspapers that the region is at a critical juncture, necessitating a prompt response.
Macron posed a fundamental question, asking whether Europe is prepared to assert its authority in key areas such as economics, finance, defense, security, and democratic governance.
In remarks made prior to an upcoming EU summit in Brussels, Macron referenced a historical concept, suggesting that the time has come for Europe to take a more prominent role on the global stage.
The French President reiterated his proposal for EU member states to share the risk of loans, which could generate hundreds of billions of euros for crucial industrial investments across the continent.
A proposal has been made to introduce a joint debt capacity, specifically eurobonds, to cover future expenses. The idea is to support large-scale European initiatives that can fund top-tier projects.
Previous suggestions of this nature have been met with skepticism, particularly from Germany and other countries, which have expressed concerns that France is attempting to shift its financial burdens onto the European community, citing its own lack of reform efforts as the reason.
Macron acknowledged that France's economic model has historically been unbalanced, differing from the more responsible approaches taken by certain northern European economies.
He noted that France has not undergone the same level of reforms as countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece, which implemented significant changes in the 2010s and are now seeing positive results.
According to Macron, there is a growing demand in global financial markets for a mutualized European debt instrument, which the EU is currently not equipped to provide.
Global markets are growing wary of the US dollar and seeking alternative options, indicating a shift in economic dynamics.
Investors worldwide are drawn to countries with a strong rule of law and democratic foundations. Currently, the international landscape is characterized by China's authoritarian regime and the US's perceived deviation from its own democratic principles.
Macron emphasized that the 27-member European Union requires an annual investment of €1.2 trillion to bolster key sectors, including security, defense, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.
The EU leader urged the bloc to safeguard its strategic industries, pointing out that both China and the US have taken similar measures. He noted that Europe currently has the most open market globally.
Macron clarified that his stance is not about embracing protectionism, but rather about promoting consistency in trade policies, ensuring that European producers are not unfairly disadvantaged by regulations that do not apply to non-EU competitors.
European leaders are currently confronting a significant dilemma, according to recent statements, as the global landscape becomes increasingly unstable.
The pace of climate change is quickening, while the United States, once considered a permanent guarantor of European security, is now less reliable. Russia's supply of affordable energy, which was previously thought to be a long-term arrangement, ceased three years ago. Meanwhile, China has emerged as an increasingly intense rival.
The European community now finds itself self-reliant, but its collective strength lies in its unity, with a population of 450 million people, a substantial entity. For one European leader, the pursuit of greater influence is seen as the natural culmination of the European project.
Historically, European nations have come together to prevent conflict and establish a unified market, yet they have traditionally avoided aspirations of collective power.
Regarding the recent tensions with the US over Greenland, which ended with President Donald Trump appearing to retract his threats to annex the Danish territory, a European leader cautioned against complacency, suggesting that Europeans should remain vigilant.
Following a crisis, a common reaction is to breathe a sigh of relief and assume the situation has been resolved. However, this sense of security can be short-lived, as threats and intimidation may still be present, only to be followed by a sudden shift in Washington's stance.
According to the French leader, it is essential not to be misled by this apparent calm, emphasizing that the situation is far from over.
Europe
Ukrainian skeleton racer’s helmet, honoring war victims, banned
Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton athlete, has stated that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has prohibited him from wearing a helmet that displays images of war victims from his home country, a ruling that he says is deeply distressing.
Vladyslav Heraskevych has a history of utilizing his public presence to speak out against the conflict in Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, the International Olympic Committee has prohibited him from wearing a helmet that displays images of war victims from his native country, a decision he finds deeply distressing.
Heraskevych, 26, donned the helmet during a Winter Olympics practice session in Cortina, having previously stated his intention to leverage the Games as an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict.
The International Olympic Committee has not yet publicly acknowledged whether it has indeed banned the helmet in question.
In an Instagram post, Heraskevych, who served as a flagbearer for Ukraine during the opening ceremony on Friday, stated that the IOC has barred him from wearing the helmet at official training sessions and competitions.
The IOC's decision has sparked disappointment, as it prevents athletes from being recognized on the Olympic stage, a platform they will never have the opportunity to participate on again, leaving a sense of betrayal among those who have been part of the Olympic movement.
The IOC has previously permitted such tributes in both recent and past events, but in this instance, it has chosen to establish unique guidelines specifically for Ukraine, deviating from its earlier precedents.
In an interview with Reuters, Heraskevych revealed that the images on his helmet included several athletes, such as teenage weightlifter Alina Peregudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko, and ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov, some of whom he considered friends.
According to Heraskevych, Toshio Tsurunaga, the IOC's representative responsible for facilitating communication between athletes, national Olympic committees, and the IOC, visited the athletes' village to inform him of the decision.
Heraskevych stated that the reason provided was due to rule 50, as explained to him by the IOC representative.
According to the Olympic Charter's Rule 50.2, demonstrations or propaganda of a political, religious, or racial nature are not allowed at Olympic sites, venues, or other designated areas.
On Monday, it was reported that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had reached out to Ukraine's Olympic Committee regarding a specific helmet.
As of now, the IOC has stated that it has not received a formal request for the helmet to be used during competition, which is set to begin on February 12.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Heraskevych for bringing attention to the sacrifices made during their struggle.
The president's post further emphasized that the reality of the situation cannot be dismissed as an inappropriate or political display at a sports event, but rather serves as a global reminder of the current state of Russia.
At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Ukraine's inaugural skeleton competitor, Heraskevych, displayed a sign reading 'No War in Ukraine', just days prior to Russia's invasion of the country in 2022.
The Olympic Charter's Rule 50.2 explicitly prohibits any form of demonstration or propaganda of a political, religious, or racial nature within Olympic venues and areas.
Heraskevych had previously stated his intention to abide by the Olympic rules banning political demonstrations, while still seeking to bring attention to the conflict in Ukraine during the Games.
In the aftermath of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus faced widespread bans from international competitions, although they have been gradually reintegrated into sports.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has given clearance to 13 Russian athletes to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) at the Milan-Cortina event.
A request for comment has been made to the IOC by BBC Sport.
A daily breakdown of the Winter Olympics is available for reference.
A comprehensive schedule outlining the timing of all medal events can be found.
The current medal standings for the Winter Olympics 2026 are being tracked.
-
News12 hours agoAustralian Politics Faces Questions Over Gender Equality Amid Sussan Ley’s Appointment
-
News9 hours agoFarage Says Reform to Replace Traditional Tory Party
-
News9 hours agoWrexham Pair Seek Win Against Former Team Ipswich
-
News15 hours agoLiberal Party Removes Australia’s First Female Leader
-
News13 hours agoUK Braces for Cold Snap with Snow and Ice Alerts Expected
-
News9 hours agoHusband’s alleged £600k theft for sex and antiques blamed on drug side effects
-
News2 days agoSunbed ads spreading harmful misinformation to young people
-
Business15 hours agoBBC Reporter Exposed to Cyber Attack Due to Vulnerabilities in AI Coding Tool