For Russia, Putin Power Is Losing Some of Its Shine

Russian President Vladimir Putin stands under pouring rain during a ceremony. Despite a show of strength and a charm offensive, the regime of Vladimir Putin is beginning to show its age. Russia is facing a dangerous protest movement against Putin’s system, and he has responded with heavy-handed crackdowns and winsome public appearances. The message from the Kremlin is clear: Putin is a strong leader and a man of the people. But the message is beginning to sound stale, and a reckoning may be peeking above the horizon.