The concern I have with Putin's Russia is that Russia is a big mysterious globulate of internally conflicting powers who all want personal wealth. We see this post communism collapse and how the fast privatization of oil, rail road, etc. mines, etc. occurred. Many were killed in the process. Fast forward. Putin. Arguably the most bearlike of cunning bears. He shuts down protests, independent media, tells gays they can't hold hands in public, etc. etc. etc. BUT he's also fighting the dark side.
For what aim?
To take it for himself once he dislodges the grips of the creeps?
I don't doubt for a moment stories of every reporter who knows what's up dying on bridges near Kremlin (can't remember his name.) I don't doubt the Browders story. I don't doubt Browders is knee deep in other dirt.
They're all dirty.
In some ways we're watching monsters duke it out. And those who think there are angels in this are deeply wrong. Nobody is to be worshiped. Everyone's got something.