Early this year, Vladimir Putin had big plans for an excellent spring: first, constitutional amendments approved by the legislative branch and public allowing him the opportunity to remain in power until 2036, followed by a huge patriotic celebration of the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. Well, stuff happens – specifically, COVID-19. Putin’s spring has turned out quite differently from what he had hoped.
OP-ED
Steven Pifer: Putin’s not-so-excellent spring
A tourist looks at a gift shop display offering T-shirts featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin in downtown Moscow on Nov. 5, 2019.
