Rising costs and hidden censorship: Inside Russia's media silence
British journalist Steve Rosenberg, in a video posted on platform X, offered an insightful analysis of the Russian press. He noted that there is open discussion about issues such as Russia's economic problems and acts of censorship. However, certain topics are never addressed.
As the journalist mentions, "Moskovsky Komsomolets" writes about "price fever" on the front page. "In 2025, inflation is shaping up to be a serious challenge for the economy as well as ordinary Russians. Everything around us continues to become more expensive: vegetables, housing and utility bills, medicines, transportation," can be seen in the publication.
Meanwhile, in the weekly "Argumenty i Fakty," a chart shows that over the past year, milk prices have risen by almost 20 per cent, as have apple prices, with cucumber prices up by 22 per cent, beets by 32 per cent, butter by 35 per cent, cabbage by 42 per cent, onions by 46 per cent, and potato prices by over 90 per cent.
Not only high prices, but also "acts of censorship"
The newspapers, however, do not just speak of high prices. An article appeared in "Nezavisimaya Gazeta" about a theatre performance in Novosibirsk based on a play by 19th-century Russian playwright Alexander Sukhovo-Kobylin. The story reportedly appears "like an act of censorship."
This satirical drama about a bribe given to a government official suddenly vanished from the theatre's repertoire, according to an analysis by a Russian BBC News editor. Media reports cited by him suggest the play was removed from the program at the explicit recommendation of the security agency. According to the journalistic material, the decision was prompted by a complaint from a dissatisfied viewer.
Steve Rosenberg notes that the practice of cancelling performances in this manner, based on a denunciation, is unacceptable and is a glaring violation of the constitution, potentially even an abuse of power or overstepping of authority. Censorship in Russia is prohibited, he emphasizes.
"There are topics that are not addressed"
Summarizing his material, the British journalist stressed that such articles indicate that despite the strict restrictions under which Russian media currently operate, there is still room for criticism of certain issues occurring in the country.
However, as he points out, there are certain topics that are never addressed—newspapers do not feature direct criticism of Vladimir Putin or articles questioning the war in Ukraine.
