The Documentary Podcast The Kremlin’s reporter
Oct 4, 2025
Elizaveta Fokht is a BBC Russian journalist who delves into the intriguing world of Pavel Zarubin, the Kremlin’s favored reporter with unparalleled access to Putin. She highlights his rise from an idealistic journalist to a key figure in state media, revealing personal anecdotes of their rapport. On the flip side, BBC Urdu's Nazish Fiaz interviews Pakistani cricketer Sana Mir, discussing her trailblazing journey in a male-dominated sport and her recent ICC Hall of Fame induction, emphasizing her battle against sexism and inspiring future generations of female athletes.
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Putin's Personalised Public Diary
- Pavel Zarubin's show functions like a personalised Putin diary that highlights trivial details to humanize the president.
- By focusing on charm and protocol, the show diverts attention from policy and decision-making processes.
Obsessive Detail To Create Intimacy
- Zarubin highlights tiny details like the furniture, the color of files, and a black cat to create an intimate portrait of Putin.
- His soft, admiring style and rare direct access make his coverage uniquely flattering and influential.
From Idealist To Kremlin Pool Regular
- Zarubin started as an idealistic young journalist who supported independent TV like NTV and cried when colleagues gave up that fight.
- Over time he accommodated rising media pressure, prioritised staying in Moscow and joined the Kremlin pool full-time.