Novaya Gazeta to cease operations in Russia

Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia’s oldest and most prominent independent newspapers, has announced it will cease operations on 9 November. The Moscow-based newsroom, which has operated for 29 years, faces closure after being ordered by landlords to vacate its premises.

The publication reported being deprived of the necessary means to operate, including being cut off from online donations. The newspaper’s history includes facing state pressure, criminal prosecutions, raids, and the designation of “foreign agent” status. Amnesty International described the closure as a devastating loss for investigative journalism in Russia, noting that the newspaper had long withstood attacks on its staff and the blocking of its website.

Observers suggest the closure signals a tightening of media control under President Vladimir Putin, potentially returning the media landscape to an era where systemic criticism of the regime is not tolerated. Journalists from the outlet are expected to migrate to other publications or move abroad to continue their work.