MOSCOW—What was tipped to be a marque year for Russian President Vladimir Putin is morphing into one of the toughest challenges to his 20-year reign. The novel coronavirus pandemic, plummeting oil prices and a decline of confidence in Mr. Putin’s leadership are threatening to erode his efforts to project himself as the only person who can unite Russia’s people and cement the nation’s relevance on the world stage.

Source: Wall Street Journal May 05, 2020 16:31 UTC