The Russia that we know of is not as historical as we presume, that’s if your dealings with it are purely on its modern terms. The Presidency of Russia is known as technically advanced for example, and it has a tight grip on the Russian people. Its level of control is far higher than in other Western democracies.
However, the Russian state itself is still riven with desires for older times or more brutal control. There are competing factions that want different forms of Presidency, but these are ideals for a dictatorship and not a more open rule.
The rumours swirl around the Kremlin, the seat of its power, that Putin has faced tumultuous times in his terms. These include his family disappearing from view, attempts at takeover, and internal conflict. This is not flattering for an administration of public relations.
