In the first edition of Ask a Correspondent, Anton Troianovski, the Moscow bureau chief, answers reader questions about reporting on Russia from abroad, the impact of the war in Ukraine on ordinary Russians, the prospects for leadership after Vladimir Putin, and common misconceptions about Russia. Troianovski describes the challenges of covering Russia without being based there, noting the loss of spontaneous stories and the importance of on-the-ground reporting. He explains that many Russians are shielded from the realities of the war, with state repression and economic measures limiting unrest. The future of Russian leadership remains uncertain, with no clear successor to Putin and a weakened opposition. Troianovski also highlights the diversity and complexity of Russian society beyond its major cities, despite recent repression.

The briefing also covers major international news, including ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine, protests in Ukraine, developments in Gaza, Iran, climate change, and other global stories. In arts and culture, the newsletter spotlights Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa and offers recommendations for cooking, reading, and travel.