Gotta love those vastly superior, enlightened souls(no, seriously, ya GOTTA love 'em.)
Putin is a dictator, but he has to play to an audience comprising a great swath of the Russian population. What has been the experiences of these people? Totalitarianism is founded upon rape and violation of the masses in the worst ways possible. The original "revolutionaries" tend to be vicious thugs, heads filled with dreams doing whatever they choose, come the takeover. Once in power, the elite and connected and protected DO do as they please. They violate and exploit the people and their sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, neices, nephews, grandchildren....
Of course, it would be outrageous to disturb the advanced consciences of this country with such meaningless considerations. They are too busy fighting the ultimate evil of neanderthal parents who aren't anxious to hand over total control of their children to those entitled to teach them the true nature of progress.