Let His People Go

Did the Kremlin's Shaky COVID-19 Response Sap Putin's Hold on the Russians?

4 June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought disillusionment with Vladimir Putin and the regime he symbolises. Putin’s mounting troubles are not that surprising given several political missteps, and while Russia will not collapse like the USSR, future change may be quite dramatic.

“The Putin system is going to the dogs! With this epidemic, one has to be totally blind not to see it!”. A friend of mine, a successful Russian PR executive, spoke to me from his spacious house near Moscow, where he self-isolated among the tasteful collection of modern Russian paintings.

His family is also protecting itself from coronavirus – but at their villa in one of the warmer EU countries. His yacht is moored somewhere in a Mediterranean marina, awaiting my friend’s return to a routine of leisurely fixing deals while sipping martinis on the deck. That is if the routine ever resumes.

As an entrepreneur, he was never overly politicised or squirmish when offered to work for Russia’s state-owned enterprises which dominate the economy – as long as cash kept flowing in.

Subscribe

Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.

MonthlyVAT included

€4/month

See all details

  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline

AnnualVAT included

€40/year

See all details

  • 15% Discount (8 EUR off monthly cost if paid annually)
  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline

Student OR Donation

Choose your contribution

See all details

  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Some Visegrad Insight events invitations

Can I receive an invoice?

Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.

Are my credit card details safe?

Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.

How modify or cancel my subscription?

At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.

Konstantin von Eggert

Konstantin Eggert MBE is a Russian affairs commentator with Deutsche Welle, Germany's international broadcaster

Newsletter

Weekly updates with our latest articles and the editorial commentary.