Steve Rosenberg

Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist Dmitry Muratov tells the BBC that Russia cannot achieve a genuine victory in Ukraine, arguing that the country may be destroyed but cannot be conquered. He describes the closure and censorship of Novaya Gazeta, the imprisonment of anti-war critics and the growing influence of the FSB over Russian society. Muratov warns that repeated discussion of nuclear weapons on Russian state media raises concerns about further escalation, while rejecting claims that Putin is losing control. He also criticizes Western governments for prioritizing past trade and energy relationships with Moscow over human rights.

A bomb exploded outside Moscow’s Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant after a security guard reportedly stopped a woman carrying an improvised explosive device from entering. Russian state media said three people were killed and 21 injured. Authorities have not confirmed the identities of the intended targets or the private dinner’s guest list, while the Russian Embassy in Italy blamed Ukraine without providing evidence. Residents linked the attack to the war, and some expressed anger toward Britain and the BBC. The incident received little coverage on Russian television, apparently reflecting official concern about causing public alarm.