Putin takes aim at "Mockingbirds"

https://thehill.com/opinion/international/538348-putin-takes-aim-at-a-news-company-funded-by-congress-how-will-us

For three decades, a congressionally funded company has streamed news to Russian citizens from inside Russia, free of Kremlin control. Vladimir Putin may now force it to close its doors in Moscow.

The prospect of Russian action against Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty poses a sudden challenge to the Biden administration and the new Congress. They will have to decide what resources to devote to defending the broadcaster, while also pursuing a much larger agenda seeking Moscow’s cooperation on arms control, regional conflicts and a host of other issues.

With some 50 reporters and editors in Moscow and 250 stringers across the country, RFE/RL has built a powerful Russian-language news service under the noses of Kremlin authorities. Its staff — almost all Russians — streamed web video coverage nationwide of the mass demonstrations against the arrest of Alexei Navalny. The company is active on the web and social networks, reporting on environmental controversies, corruption and social issues. Its continued existence helps protect and promote other independent media that are struggling to grow in Russia.