While Putin did suppress the opposition, opposition figures readily admit that had there been free elections Putin would have still won, just not by as much.

I like the guardian somewhat, but you gotta know who the guardian are.

Not disputing your take --but you and I must know a diff set of people. [Should Russia return Crimea, should they give Japan the Ryukus --some small insignificant islets]

Also, amongst Russians, there are different waves of emigres. Some waves forsook everything upon leaving, those emigres by their nature, have a different view than other waves.