There is a large native Muslim population in Russia. It is a matter of Russian national security to prevent ethnic/religious conflicts. One Chechnya was enough.
If you were in the Russian government would you act differently?
Well first of all I would not have condemned Denmark for failing to prevent any insult made toward the "Prophet" (piss be upon him).
Next I wouldn't demand that Denmark apologize to Islam for failing to kiss their islamic asses.
Finally, I wouldn't shut down two Russian newspapers for daring to offend tender muslim sensibilities.
Putin didn't have to say anything at all about this stupid cartoon controversy, but he couldn't pass up a chance to pander to muslims.
You see, we have a little something in the "West" called "freedom." It means we can say whatever we want about the demon possessed pedophile mohammed. Muslims don't like "freedom" and it seems the Russians (or at least their government) agree with them.
If Russia thinks it's a good idea to try and appease muslims, then they will get what all dhimmis deserve.
Let the muzzies show their true colors, then send them (via kalishnikov bullets soaked in pig blood) straight to hell.