Could the coronavirus pandemic put an end to Russia President Vladimir Putin’s plans to govern for another 12 years after his current term ends in 2024? His latest constitutional manipulations to make this possible have been put on hold. In the face of increasing domestic unpopularity, he might have to abandon this power-grabbing exercise. 

The out-of-the-blue pandemic is no doubt a heavy blow to Putin’s leadership ambitions. For the first time since becoming president in 2000, he faces a deadly and ubiquitous enemy that could turn out to be his political nemesis...

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