In late March Vladimir Putin finally announced measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus in Russia, but placed the financial burden on the private sector, offering virtually no support for businesses and very little for consumers. This was very different from the United States, where Congress, in a sharp departure from its dawdling ways after the 2008 financial debacle, promptly passed a massive $2.2 trillion rescue package. It is now debating a few billion in additional stimulus.

And yet, the reaction to the pandemic in Moscow and in Washington has been remarkably similar — certainly in spirit, but in some actions, as well. Both governments were happy with the pre-coronavirus world and they now want to return to the status quo as soon as possible.