Uncertainty in Russia Increases In Run-up to July Elections

"Ah, finally I reach you." Leonid's voice sounded taut. "I am calling from the office."

That was unusual, for normally Leonid and I talk at about noon Winnipeg time; then it is late evening in Moscow. At that time, he is usually home, and we use his personal telephone line.

"I have been trying and trying to phone you. But the phone is always busy, busy. Finally, Julia (Leonid's wife and ministry partner) called the phone company. They informed her that the phone has been disconnected from all international calls. We don't know why. They could not tell us."

This call to me was his first attempt to discover if his office phone still reached the outside world. Leonid was distressed.

Several weeks earlier, a Federal Express shipment from Mennonite Brethren Communications had been opened and the contents searched. All contents apparently arrived, but this, too, was not an ordinary event.

During this same time period, the director of the Russian National Network, which carries Leonid's radio programs, was suddenly dismissed. This individual had paved the way for programs such as MBC's The Bible And Music to be broadcast on the single largest communications outlet in the former Soviet Union. His dismissal casts additional uncertainty over the direction of Russian politics.

"I don't know what this means," writes Leonid. "Is this an attempt by the government to take more control of the media?" Leonid questions if the "red" parliament is responsible.

News reports in the international press indicate that the director of the national network was dismissed by Yeltsen for television and radio coverage critical of the civil war in Chechnya. In the run-up to the presidential elections, the incumbent may well be consolidating much needed support. What this means for the new freedom to broadcast inspirational programs nationwide remains uncertain. It clearly concerns Leonid.

The ruble continues to slide, becoming worth less and less each week. Press reports peg inflation at around 187%. Prices for essential food and clothing keep going up. Wages are extremely low. Taxes are high. For every dollar paid as wages to national workers, MBC pays another dollar to the government in tax. Annual growth was recently reported at -4%.

Conditions have deteriorated to the point were many are saying that it was better under the Soviet government. To drive their point home, the people overwhelmingly elected a communist parliament during the last election.

As we ended our conversation, Leonid stated, as he frequently does, "Pray for Russia."

Burton Buller, for MB Communications

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