Potamos Foundation

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia briefly entered an era of press freedom. That progress slowed down after the Yeltsin-era and has been sharply reversed since the invasion of Ukraine – making independent journalism increasingly dangerous and illegal. Many journalists had to flee their country after 24 February 2022.

Supporting Independent Russian Media Amidst Rising Challenges

In this climate, The Moscow Times, supported by Stichting Potamos, stands out as a vital source of independent, reliable news. It ranks only second to Meduza in reach among Russian-language audiences.

With support from Stichting De Boomgaard, a sponsored colleague completed her MBA in Amsterdam, helping to secure the Moscow Times’ future in exile. Also supported is Artists Against the Kremlin, an ongoing exhibition featuring more than 100 works by Russian-speaking artists opposed to war and authoritarian regimes.

In a creative extension of this mission, Derk Sauer recently launched TMT Music, a record label under the slogan The Sound of Silenced. Renowned Russian bands and artists whose songs, often are censored or banned are now available on Spotify. Remarkably, one track even reached the national Top 77 last year: an extraordinary achievement given the restrictions on independent music within Russia.

Together, these efforts keep independent Russian voices alive: offering truth, culture, and hope in a suppressed media landscape.