FT News Briefing FT Weekend: Poet Maria Stepanova. Plus, Inside the FT newsroom
Apr 2, 2022
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the Financial Times, shares insights on the challenges and quick decision-making in covering the Ukraine war. Russian poet Maria Stepanova reflects on how the conflict has affected Russian intellectuals and her own experiences as a dissenter. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of war reporting and the complexities of cultural identity amidst the chaos. Stepanova also discusses the uncertainty of Russia’s future and the cultural conversations sparked by this turmoil.
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Prepared for War
- Roula Khalaf, FT's editor, was on vacation when the war began, but she and her team had prepared.
- They held meetings, including one on Christmas Eve, and analyzed intelligence briefings.
Return to Conflict
- The war in Ukraine marks a return to large-scale conflict in Europe, reminiscent of times thought to be over.
- This significantly impacts global affairs and will have long-lasting consequences.
Leader Conference Debates
- The FT holds daily Leader Conferences to discuss editorial positions, particularly regarding Ukraine.
- Columnists debate their stances, sometimes disagreeing on the publication's official line.
