A week ago, the whole world looked jealous to Russia. Damn, people thought, those Russians have done that well. At the first signs of the coronavirus in China, Russia closed its border, at the outbreak in Italy, Russia did the same with its borders on the European side. Vladimir proudly and bravely told the people that Russia has nothing to fear, the corona crisis will not reach Russia. This was a gross misjudgment.
Sure, many people had their doubts about the Russian government figures, the same goes for China – does anyone believe the China figures they made public?
But Putin does make a very painful bastard. Last week he proudly said that Russia had nothing to fear from the virus. The Kremlin had everything under control. But appearingly deceived, the Kremlin cheered too early – or they hid the Soviet-style truth.
Over the weekend, Russia – genuinely very noble and good – sent numerous scientists and even part of the military to Italy to help the Italians with the lockdown and provide immediate medical attention. Of course fantastic that the Russians are doing this! Yet there is a big “but” behind it, because the Russians are now facing their own big problems.
Yesterday, Putin acknowledged that Russia was also at risk for the corona virus, so the virus could no longer be ignored. The number of infections has exploded in recent days. The Kremlin therefore had to intervene!
This afternoon, Putin therefore addressed the country that the crisis also broke out in Russia. The constitutional change elections are being postponed for the time being, because Russia may go on a lockdown.
Putin is losing face with this, because the Russians are certainly not stupid.
