In conversation I have on occasions defended Putin even though I dislike his policies. People seem to give their own countries the benefit of the doubt based on the context at the time,

For example, within the UK David Cameron championed laws in the 80s that made it illegal for goverment to publish material that could promote homosexuality. People shrug off resposibility for this by telling you that "it was a different time". Russia has introduced laws that are not dissimilar to widespread outrage. Whilst we are right to campaign against such things you cannot expect a country to modernise instantly overnight or welcome outside interference.

People should be reminded that all countries are following a path, and some countries are further along than others. The west does not have a monopoly on justice.