The main purpose of this article is to analyse the political and economic implications of the coronavirus pandemic for the Russian Federation. I intend to take a closer look at the views of Polish and foreign scientists on the subject matter, focusing particularly on the possible increase in the significance of Russia in the international arena and the economic problems of this country that may occur in the near future.
At the beginning, I refer to the political consequences of the pandemic for Russia, focusing on the first cases of infections in this country and the attempt of the Kremlin authorities to divert attention from their internal problems by spreading theories, according to which the United States is primarily responsible for the spread of this disease. Further on, I touch upon the problem of a possible extension of Vladimir Putin’s rule and try to outline the reasons why the Russian leader has decided to take this step. Moreover, I describe the implications of the pandemic for Russia’s foreign policy, especially in relations to the United States, Western Europe, China, the Middle East and the post-Soviet countries: Belarus and Ukraine. I also present the impact of the pandemic conditions on the Russian economy and health care.
In conclusion, I try to answer the question of whether the pandemic will cause significant changes in the internal policy of the Russian Federation. I also try to determine whether Putin’s power may contribute to strengthening Russia’s position on the international arena in the coming years.