With a pardon he could travel. He wouldn't have to leave Russia either. In time those who want him dead might fade away. Even if he never left Russia, a pard

With a pardon he could travel. He wouldn't have to leave Russia either. In time those who want him dead might fade away. Even if he never left Russia, a pardon might sway some voters one way or the other. Of course a pardon is relevant! (Not saying he should be pardoned, or that he shouldn't be.)