Stalin did have many nascent rebellions, but I think a sadist called Beria had a network of 'ears' looking for any suspicious types - some say he over suspected

Stalin did have many nascent rebellions, but I think a sadist called Beria had a network of 'ears' looking for any suspicious types - some say he over suspected = many were killed who were innocent - the overkill justified as extra cautionary. You can be sure Putin read his play book and is well guarded. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavrentiy_Beria https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavrentiy_Beria