Novaya Gazeta, Russia’s Last Independent Newspaper, Shuts Down Amid Censorship

Novaya Gazeta, a prominent independent newspaper in Russia, has officially closed its doors after years of government pressure. The newspaper held its last editorial meeting on November 9, 2026, and emptied its office in Moscow.

Founded in 1993, Novaya Gazeta was known for its critical coverage of the Russian government and the ongoing war in Ukraine. It was one of the last media outlets in Russia that openly challenged the authorities. The government had labeled it a “foreign agent,” a term that evokes memories of Soviet-era oppression, and many of its journalists faced detention and questioning.

During its final meeting, editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov was seen taking down photographs of reporters who were killed, including Anna Politkovskaya. She was a well-known journalist who reported on military abuses in Chechnya and was murdered in 2006.

In a heartfelt video last month, Sokolov expressed that the newspaper had been “killed” due to pressure from Russian authorities. Rights organizations like Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International condemned the closure, calling it a severe blow to independent media in Russia.

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the closure as part of a “normal cycle of change” in the media landscape. He claimed that independent media in Russia is still diverse and competitive, despite the significant censorship that has forced many outlets into exile.