I agree with you.
Putin didn't come to power in a free country - then work at destroying those freedoms. Putin didn't squander Russia's wealth - he did his best to build wealth for the Russian people. Thuggy systems were already in place in Russia - he didn't work to add more...
And, as you say reg45, Putin loves his country. Which is a hell of a lot more than I can say for our 'elite' democrats.
Putin stole money meant for starving Russians in the early 90’s. He is a classic mafiosi who talks patriotism only when it serves him.