Russia has ALWAYS been ruled by a central power that is undemocratic and unaccountable to the people. The Tsars held absolute power for over 400 years, and the Soviets ruled with an iron fist for 74 years. What Putin does is fundamentally no worse than what any other Russian leader did. Corruption and authoritarianism have been constant features throughout their history. You need to remember that Russians are not European: They are Eurasian. Sadly, there never was much in the way of individual rights in Russia. Criticising Putin on that count isn't very illustrative.

Good luck refutting the facts that Russia is one of the most corrupt places in Europe and the Russian elites have made themselves rich by plundering the country.

Again, no one is denying that there is corruption and profiteering in Russia. But the level of exploitation going on now is nothing like the horrendous episodes of the 1990s. Russia was basically a playing ground for international elites who had free reign to do whatever they wanted. But with Putin in charge now, there are rules and limits. The oligarchs aren't allowed to suck the country dry. Arguably, you could say that Russia experiences less exploitation than America does today with the coronavirus plandemic/great reset.

But again, you will never accept any of this because you are an American jingoist with a bad case of Russophobia. Keep telling yourself that the U.S.A. is Number 1: Meanwhile, you will be subject to more and more draconian rules in the name of combating the coronavirus, while your country is sucked dry by international elites.