Russia and COVID-19
Russia and COVID-19

Author(s): Agnieszka Legucka
Subject(s): Governance, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Health and medicine and law, Geopolitics
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Russia; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 virus; pandemic; economic situation; Russia’s relations with NATO and EU; lifting sanctions;
Summary/Abstract: Since only mid-March, the official number of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus in Russia began to rise significantly. The impending crisis has accelerated the ruling elite’s decision to allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to stand again in the presidential election in 2024. But the likelihood of worsening economic situation because of the pandemic will make it difficult for Putin to fulfil his social-spending promises and may soften public support for the proposed constitutional changes. At the same time, Russia will use the pandemic to try to weaken the EU and NATO to get sanctions lifted.

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