Russia remains a corrupt totalitarian state, as it was under the Tsars and the bolcheviks. Things haven't changed much since the emancipation of the serfs.
I have to chuckle. Some Russian FReepers have periodically shown up here to complain that the US did nothing to help them democratize or shake off their capitalist roots. They have also scoffed when I informed them that Putin was slowly taking Russia back to the bad old days of the USSR. Perhaps, today, they see the light.
When the USSR fell, Russians who wanted out from under the communist system could do and did something else. Many, as a result, have become quite wealthy. The rest of Russia spent their time complaining that capitalism was bad and lamenting the Soviet system.
Well, they're getting it back, thanks to Pootie-Poot, and the rest of us are being dragged back into another Cold War. Russia had their shot and blew it. Expect no tears from me.
Russia is not the only country "increasingly unfree". Putting aside PC/smoking issue, see how the high-rise window washer in Massachusetts is facing long prison term for killing a gull, in self defense!
As for the NGO's - all kinds of fly by night NGO's came into Russia and tried to undermine the steady and progresive rise of freedom after the end of Communism. A good example is the Soros machine which set up all kinds of little outfits...in his attempt to influence matters.
Russian people are more than capable of setting up their own NGO's...and left wing influences are not welcome.
Russia will be allowed in because China was.