I have been very involved in Russian Orthodoxy, to the point of learning the Old Slavonic language that the liturgical music is sung in. I can assure you that the orthodox do not worship statues. They venerate, or hold sacred, icons which are paintings of Christ, Mary or various saints. The image (not the wood or paint) is considered to be the actual presence of the person depicted. In a way it is like looking at a loved one through a window. It is the person in the icon is worshiped, or communicated with, the painting itself is venerated as something holy. The Greek Eastern Orthodox is very similar in their beliefs, just different ethnically. I have not heard of Putin putting people in jail for disagreeing with him
It's been in the news. He had reporters who were saying good things about his rival when he was running for reelection put in jail. He also had newspapers shut down who were not pro-Putin.
Also, our missionary has been "visited" by government officials who question him on what he talks about in the bible. These "visitors" would listen to him talk at a church meeting and then tell him that he could not say it anymore. If he wants to stay in Russia, he has to refrain from talking about things.