Letter from Moscow: Putin triumphant, but facing choppy waters
The Russian strongman’s referendum delivered him the expected result. But there are troubles on the horizon
Russia’s late June constitutional referendum delivered a strong majority in support of reforms that could keep President Vladimir Putin in power until 2036. Almost 78pc of voters supported the measures, election officials say, while turnout was estimated at 65pc. This has given the Kremlin its desired mandate. In a national address at the end of June, Putin urged voters to ensure Russia’s “stability, security and prosperity”. But amid the continuing economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, Russia, like many other countries, will struggle to deliver on such promises. Economic turmoil Large sectors of the Russian economy were closed during lockdown, with little government support availa
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent
