Russia is a Thugocracy and always has been. But if each and every Russian citizen determines that they want and will sacrifice for the rule of law then there is a chance for them.
Throughout their history it seems that their secret police have always been a step or two ahead of civil society.
There are a lot of young Russians who have had the taste of the good life here and abroad, and who return to Russia, and get a cold slap in the face when they realize they’re a big nobody over there.
The air is ripe for change... all over the world in fact.