OP-ED

Thomas Kent: Putin may cripple the US’s strongest voice in Russia

By Thomas Kent.

Published Jan. 26, 2021. Updated Jan. 26 at 1:09 am

A protester holds a sign reading "Putin - resign" during an unsanctioned rally in front of the headquarters of the FSB security services in central Moscow on March 14, 2020. - Moscow police detained dozens of people at a protest against "political repressions" near the headquarters of the Russian security service, including a well-known human rights campaigner. The protest demanding to free political prisoners was called by supporters of several men convicted this year on terrorism charges, many of whom said in court they were tortured by the FSB security service. (Photo by Yuri KADOBNOV / AFP)

Photo by AFP

After two decades of restrictions and harassment, President Vladimir Putin’s government is on the verge of forcing Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) to shut down its operations in Russia. The prospect sets up an immediate test for the new administration in the United States: can President Joseph Biden save one of the biggest news sources in Russia that is not under Kremlin control?