[Freelance Warrior]

Keep in mind, they fully realize the negative impacts on world opinion if they display too much open support for Stalin.

Well, this issue isn't important for the Russian government, it's not about any practical matters. But sympathy to Stalin is widespead within the Russian public, especially in latest years, so by showing some signs of respect to Stalin the leadership may gain some popular support.

[ETL]

Well, this issue isn't important for the Russian government, it's not about any practical matters. But sympathy to Stalin is widespread within the Russian public

I think it is important for the Putin regime. Putin has been on a huge propaganda campaign to win over the hearts and minds of people in the US.