‘There is profound disappointment in him’: mood in Russia turns against Putin

‘There is little doubt that Putin is entering the most challenging period of his long rule.’ Photograph: Alexander Nemenov/EPA

Vladimir Putin pulled up to a hotel in central Moscow earlier in May in a Russian-made SUV, dressed casually in jeans and a light jacket. Carrying a bouquet of flowers, he walked unhurriedly into the lobby and embraced his former schoolteacher Vera Gurevich, who kissed him on both cheeks.

He then helped Gurevich into his car and drove her to dinner at the Kremlin.