I went through Moscow a few years ago and then rode with an Aussie for 10 hours who had just left from visiting his Russian wife. He said they really do love Putin THAT MUCH and there is no fakery involved in the high numbers he rolls up. I believed him. They had Putin tshirts all over the gift shop, still kicking myself for not getting one.
I don’t doubt it. If I was a Russian, I would love him too. In fact, I wish more of our leaders were like him - including the putting your own country’s interests front and center.