Russian Service
RFE/RL’s Russian Service is a multi-platform alternative to state-controlled media, providing audiences in Russia with informed and accurate news and analysis.
Website visits
(January–December 2022)
Facebook video views
(January–December 2022)
YouTube video views
(January–December 2022)
Instagram video views
(January–December 2022)
About the Service
For over 70 years, RFE/RL’s Russian Service Radio Svoboda has produced far-reaching, unbiased reporting as an alternative to state-controlled media.
Svoboda operates from Riga and Prague after being forced to close its Moscow bureau in 2022. Several journalists relocated from the bureau also currently work from the Georgian Service’s bureau in Tblisi.
The Service’s coverage of the Kremlin’s “partial mobilization” and Ukraine’s counteroffensive drove significant traffic spikes.
Radio Svoboda provides critically acclaimed investigative reporting on Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine such as the activities of the notorious Wagner Group.
When Russian authorities claimed the crew of the sunken Moskva cruiser was safe, the Service’s reporters uncovered contrary evidence.
Radio Svoboda frequently reports on public corruption and illegal businesses in Russian political spheres.
The Service’s investigative series “The Committee Men” revealed corruption scandals linked to Vladimir Putin.
The weekly documentary series Signs of Life offers insight into Russian society.
Podcast studio produces popular podcasts for Russian- language audiences
The Russian Service manages regionally focused websites reporting on local stories ignored by state media in Siberia and the Northwest, for minority ethnic populations in local languages.
The Service’s YouTube channel has expanded dramatically as viewers seek out accurate and independent reporting on Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Channel subscribers grew from 45,000 in February 2022 to now reaching nearly 800,000.
Reaching Audiences
Media Climate
Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index ranks Russia 164th of 180 countries.
RFE/RL was forced to suspend operations in Russia after $17 million in fines were levied for failure to comply with “foreign agent” labelling requirements in March 2022.
At least 20 Russia-focused RFE/RL websites have been blocked and dozens of journalists named “foreign agents.”
In February 2024, RFE/RL was designated an “undesirable organization” by Russian authorities. Russian citizens face up to five years in prison for cooperating with “undesirable” organizations or aiding in their financing within Russia.
Awards
Online Journalism Awards
Radio Svoboda was awarded 2022 Online Journalism Award for exceptional and innovative coverage.
Latest Updates
Russia Extends Detention of Alsu Kurmasheva; Her Imprisonment “As Outrageous Today as It Was Six Months Ago”
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) condemns the latest extension of American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva’s pretrial detention.
RFE/RL President Capus Meets Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, Discusses Imprisoned Journalist in Crimea
During a meeting on Sunday between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and RFE/RL President Stephen Capus, the Ukrainian leader commended RFE/RL’s coverage of the Russian invasion.
RFE/RL Condemns Extension of American Journalist’s Detention in Russia
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is outraged by today’s decision in Kazan, Russia to extend the detention of imprisoned American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until April 5.
Support Independent Journalism
Join us in advocating for press freedom and supporting RFE/RL journalists who have been unjustly imprisoned.