Yes, I think he has done a lot of good for his nation. He probably did have to get tough on some political adversaries, but then again, isn't it much better that a Great Leader be tough on his opponents and see a magnificent vision and plan for his nation come to fruition than a new figurehead every term or two who destroys entire nations in the name of arms sales and political unrest?

I think everybody who calls Putin a "thug", "murderer" or whatever, should look at their nation's politicians and see how many people THEY kill.

EDIT: At least Russia doesn't have military bases covering the globe... They mostly stay at home.