Its not entirely objective. Russians enjoy freedoms and prosperity unimaginable in the Soviet time. There is of course a great deal of work to be done to build a rule of law state, a civic society and bring an end to official impunity and corruption. This is a project that will last many lifetimes. The collapse of the Evil Empire brought about good changes and bad changes and on the whole it has been positive. After twenty years we can say the momentum towards more freedom in Russia is irreversible. There is no going back to the totalitarian past.
Sure, in my opinion they are ahead the West in terms of personal freedom now.
As for a political aspect it is yet to catch.
At the same time look who is complaining on lack of political freedom there.
These include Russian Communist Party and their extremist Bolshevic pals, Soros and his Russian branch lib gang, including former Yeltsin Democrat cabinet members who are starving away from their corrupt incomes right now.
I like the way how these Putin’s opponents who would kill any freedom as soon as they to get into office are asvertised as ‘freedom fighters’ by MSM.