Putin IS a communist, he does not even try to hide it, he openly laments the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Russia is essentially the same state it was in the 80s... only weaker militarily and diplomatically. Their people have only marginally more freedom than the Chinese... and that was before the war with Ukraine. Right now if you even call it a "war", you are subject to arrest.
The big difference is instead of the military and KGB having all the power, like in the 80s and prior, now it is Putin, his state police and a select few billionaires.
Putin IS a communist, he does not even try to hide it, he openly laments the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Russia is essentially the same state it was in the 80s... only weaker militarily and diplomatically. Their people have only marginally more freedom than the Chinese... and that was before the war with Ukraine. Right now if you even call it a "war", you are subject to arrest.
The big difference is instead of the military and KGB having all the power, like in the 80s and prior, now it is Putin, his state police and a select few billionaires.