Eh, speaking as an American, I’m not too certain on Western freedom and democracy, especially the latter bit. I see it as no different than Bolshevikism, especially when democracy (not to mention so-called freedom under “Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite” and “total liberty”, which was closer to “total anarchy”) was practiced by the French in the late 18th century. We’re closer to a Republic anyway (there’s a reason why the founding fathers did NOT mention democracy, or even “demo” in their founding documents.).
Still, nice to hear that some Russians aren’t supporting the re-Stalinization of Russia that Putin’s doing (and I know a few Russians, one anyways, she’s a dentist, and based on our interactions has no love for the Communists), and if anything want our method of governance.
I think the folks who live in the big cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, are more like us, but in the countryside, it’s a different story.
Although, I am intrigued by the long-term impact of hosting the World Cup, as maybe for the first time in their history, Russia truly opened themselves up to the world, and not just the two big cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. And by all accounts, they did a great job.