Yes, Zhirinosky is in the game to get some votes that otherwise would go to those opposing Putin.
https://www.rferl.org/a/zhirinovsky-registers-russian-presidential-election-fifth/28946299.html
Mr Zhirinovsky is often viewed as something of a clown but has stood in four previous presidential elections. In 2008 he came third with 9% of the vote.
Mr Zhirinovsky’s campaign slogan for 2012 is “Vote Zhirinovsky, or things will get worse”.
Despite his anti-Kremlin rhetoric and frequent outbursts, Zhirinovsky is seen as a Kremlin loyalist and a political survivor.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-16750990
“To me, Zhirinovsky looks like Putin’s tool.”
Well, he’s been allowed to run & hasn’t been arrested, so he’s either a tool or a joke to Putin.