DW Russian live stream

DW Russian online television

DW Russian is a dedicated Russian-language television channel operated by Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany's international public broadcaster . The channel was launched in March 2024, a strategic move timed to provide independent news coverage to Russian-speaking audiences, including during major events like the Russian presidential elections . A key aspect of its broadcast strategy is its distribution via the "Svoboda" satellite package, operated by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which brings reliable news sources to regions affected by disinformation and propaganda .

The channel's primary mission is to serve as a source of independent information in a challenging media environment. It features a diverse range of programming, including in-depth analysis, interviews with key stakeholders, and comprehensive coverage of political events . This launch is part of a long-term effort to maintain a dialogue with the people of Russia, a tradition the network has upheld for many years .

The creation of DW Russian is a direct response to the increasing restrictions on independent media within Russia . Following the closure of its Moscow bureau in 2022 and the subsequent blocking of its website, DW sought alternative methods to reach its Russian-speaking audience . The Svoboda package, accessible to millions of households, provides such an avenue, requiring no additional equipment for viewers .

DW Russian is available as a free-to-air channel. Its broadcast is integrated into the Svoboda package on the Eutelsat Hotbird satellite system at 13 degrees East, which provides coverage to 4.5 million households within the Russian Federation . The channel is a key component of DW's broader commitment to press freedom and its mission to provide trustworthy news and cultural programming, which it pursues globally across television, radio, and online platforms in 32 languages .

DW Russian Watch Live Channel