The Naked Pravda Moscow Times opinion editor Charlie Hancock discusses the challenges of commissioning commentary on Russia amid the war in Ukraine
Dec 23, 2025
Charlie Hancock, opinion editor at The Moscow Times, shares insights from her journalism career focused on Russia, shaped by a military family background. She discusses the critical challenges of commissioning commentary amid the war in Ukraine, balancing diverse perspectives while navigating legal constraints and reader criticism. Hancock highlights the importance of avoiding simplistic views on Russia and emphasizes the need for responsible discourse, all while dealing with the pressures of an increasingly divided audience.
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Military Roots Sparked Russian Focus
- Charlie Hancock grew up in a military family and learned Russian from a teacher at 13, which shaped her interest in Russia.
- Editing opinion pieces taught her to absorb huge amounts of information through close reading and fact-checking.
Headlines Obscure Local Legal Realities
- Unexpected beats include deep dives into nuclear policy and the peculiarities of the Russian judicial system.
- Headlines often obscure how laws operate on the ground, producing misleading impressions.
Opinion Desk Balances Economy, Opposition, Migration
- Key debates on the opinion desk include economics, the opposition, and Russians' status in Europe.
- Readers want nuanced takes on economic cracks and migration policies, not simplistic headlines.