The broadcaster’s Russia editor on Putin’s attitude to the BBC, the future of the war in Ukraine, and playing the piano with Mikhail Gorbachev
Reporting has become more difficult. Getting access to officials has become more difficult, persuading the Russian people to speak to us has become more difficult. Although, despite the anti-western propaganda and anti-British rhetoric in the state media, out on the street Russians still stop and speak to me. Many are wary of expressing a public opinion about the war and about Putin but still, many people do talk to us.
But for the majority of Russians across the country, they don’t see a huge effect from sanctions. Now that may change this year. I think the economy is going to come under increasing pressure.Perhaps in the big cities they do. But for the majority, their priority is not to think of their government’s reputation. Their priority is to get through life, the day-to-day struggle. Real incomes have been falling. Life is tough.This is a country that has intrigued and inspired me for years.
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