Russian journalist Elena Kostyuchenko, who works for the liberal newspaper Novaya Gazeta, discusses the state of independent media in Putin’s Russia. She argues that nationalist propaganda is being used to secure backing for Putin’s agenda, while also turning public opinion against those who are calling for reform. Kostyuchenko also highlights how state-controlled media will disproportionately focus on external events, a tactic used to distract from local issues. She cautions that while Putin’s oligarchy might not be quite as powerful as the Soviet Union, Russian propaganda has never been more effective and dangerous.