Big difference but current regime is still thuggish. On other hand, your support for Russia originate from common Orthodoxy. To gain your trust, it was enough for Putin to attend few masses. So your analysis is flawed… :)
I suggest this reading (not long) of Putin’s faith...an accurate representation of the man and other culturally relevant issues in Russia today. I’d like your feedback if you wish of course.
http://www.sipa.columbia.edu/REGIONAL/HI/Putin-faith.pdf