@libreleah @strypey they've been under corrupt governments ruling with an iron hand and propaganda for most of the country's history, the corruption is deeply ingrained in their politics, systems and culture. One can hope for a better outcome, but even if Putin's gov falls it'll most likely just be the Putin situation all over again, they'll do a show of condemning those whose reputation can't be salvaged and then elect another despot comrade with connections with the rest of the rotten roots. You'd have to throw out pretty much the entire administration on all levels to have a chance of a decent government but at this point the majority of the populace is so brainwashed and mis-educated that they might not be able to achieve that even then.

It's a sad situation with seemingly the only good outcome being the breakdown of Russian Federation into member countries with different governments that can keep each other in check, provide good examples and be less threatening to their neighbours. Not likely.