Opinion: The Kremlin is terrified that Putin will catch Covid-19

Dr Ben Noble (UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies) comments on Vladimir Putin's succession problem in the context of the coronavirus. With " unusually high " activity levels of the Russian navy in the North Sea and the English Channel, it might be tempting to picture a menacing Moscow, with President Vladimir Putin directing operations from a position of total control. But that would be wrong. This show of strength comes at a time of Russian anxiety in the face of the coronavirus pandemic - and Putin's own succession problem. Russia's political leadership has only recently started to acknowledge the severity of coronavirus. In an address to the nation on 25 March, Putin  reluctantly  postponed a nationwide vote on constitutional changes that would allow him to remain in power as president until 2036. He said the vote would be held once the epidemiological situation has improved.