Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has not gone at all to plan. Russia's incurred heavy losses. Yet today, while exhibiting Western military hardware captured in the war, Moscow claimed “[Russia’s] victory is inevitable.” I remember a Soviet poster that declared: “The

Russia flaunts Western military hardware captured during Russia's war in Ukraine. What I saw today in Moscow's Victory Park. bbc.com/news/world-eur…

A headline from Russian state TV’s flagship news show tonight: “It will use them!” (“them” being nuclear weapons and “it” being Russia.)

At times anchor Kiselyov’s nuclear monologue seems aimed more at the West than a domestic audience. Perhaps because he's responding to an

And now for something completely different...

Spotted these in a Moscow shop. Russia’s war in Ukraine – now on sale (along with busts of Stalin).

Russia in recent days. More arrests...more journalists:
* Sergei Mingazov (charge: allegedly spreading ‘false info’ about army)
* Konstantin Gabov (‘extremism’ charge)
* Sergey Karelin (‘extremism’ charge, reports AP)

Valentina is so touched by your get well messages. She writes: “Thanks very much to everyone for your good wishes & for supporting me.” We had many interesting chats at her kiosk. I’ll never forget the day in April 2021 when she burst into song & told me about her first love.

A judge in Moscow has rejected Evan Gershkovich's latest appeal against his detention. Here's what we saw in court. Producer Ben Tavener BBC News (UK)

The Russian press has turned on US House Speaker Mike Johnson with insults such as “total scatterbrain”, “brainwashed” & “the look of a traitor.” Which shows that House approval of the $61bn aid package for Ukraine has struck a raw nerve in Moscow. #ReadingRussia

This was first time in several months we’d been allowed into a Moscow courtroom to see Evan Gershkovich. The Wall Street Journal reporter was appealing against his continued detention. Appeal was rejected. But Evan seemed in good health & good spirits. He’s accused of spying – a

The Russian press has turned on US House Speaker Mike Johnson with insults such as “total scatterbrain”, “brainwashed” & “the look of a traitor.” Which shows that House approval of the $61bn aid package for Ukraine has struck a raw nerve in Moscow. #ReadingRussia

Today’s Russian papers on the US House of Representatives vote. Reactions include: “US aid for Ukraine won't change the situation on the battlefield” & 'Things will become more difficult. But we had no illusions.” #ReadingRussia BBC News (UK)

The US House of Representatives approved $61bn of aid for Ukraine. What's the reaction been in Moscow? bbc.com/news/world-eur…

Today’s Russian papers on the US House of Representatives vote. Reactions include: “US aid for Ukraine won't change the situation on the battlefield” & 'Things will become more difficult. But we had no illusions.” #ReadingRussia BBC News (UK)

Following the news there’s to be a reboot of classic detective series Bergerac, here’s my tribute to British TV crime dramas and their theme tunes.

Following the news there’s to be a reboot of classic detective series Bergerac, here’s my tribute to British TV crime dramas and their theme tunes.

Five years ago, when we made our film ‘Russia: The Empire Strikes Back’, we were told “Russia’s idea is to be the grand spoiler in the world.” Who knew then what 2022 would bring. Camera Matthew Goddard Producer Will Vernon

“I met you & all the past
In the obsolete heart came to life.”

Thank you to the fantastic Angela Hewitt for this remote collaboration. Together we play I Met You. Tyutchev’s poem is thought to have been set to music by Leonid Malashkin (1842-1902). BBC Radio 3 Angela Hewitt