The trade off in Russia in accepting the myth that they must always have a strongman un-encombered by law is becoming quite apparent for the Russian people with their country being run into ground while Putin and his cronies continue to swindle them out of their wealth. There will be a reckoning, and no fan of authoritarian statism anywhere will be able to save Putin.
Putin didn’t not hijack anything people at the time were calling for even more draconian leaders. Putin was a moderate choice. You are into spreading US values where it will not flourish - let Russia be Russia.
Russia has to come there on its own, not because some twat in the US demands they comply with his personal political views.
If Putin falls and some ‘moderate’ Mr Nice-Guy takes his place he will shortly have an ‘accident.’ To be replaced with who-knows-who.
Impuning that I favor some form of government for Russia is one more ad hominem - I was just reporting how it is, having spent many years involved with all things Russian.
You may not like Russia, things Russia, or Putin - but the Russian people love him - he’s the best leader they have had since the Fall. Gainsay this and it will show how little you know of the Russian culture and its people.