> but Russians know that they can get back their money if they elect a less corrupt / aggressive leader. I don't think there are any clear opposition candidate

> but Russians know that they can get back their money if they elect a less corrupt / aggressive leader. I don't think there are any clear opposition candidates in Russia. They have been silenced, imprisoned, nearly poisoned. So even if there were an election without massive fraud I doubt many Russians would know whom to vote for.