Russian President Vladimir Putin aims a sniper rifle during a visit to the Patriot military exhibition center outside Moscow on Sept. 19. (Alexei Nikolsky/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo/AP)To Russian President Vladimir Putin, image is important. Putin” program treats viewers to a week in the life of Vladimir Putin — on holiday in Siberia, visiting hospitals and speaking with teenagers. As a result, Putin is facing some of his lowest approval ratings since nationwide protests in 2011 and 2012. If Putin’s ratings drop too low, such tactics could hurt the regime more than help by decreasing support among regime skeptics.

Source: Washington Post September 28, 2018 09:56 UTC