I think you might be misinterpreting the Russian comments that are along the lines of "I don't follow politics" or "I don't know enough to have an opinion". Tho

I think you might be misinterpreting the Russian comments that are along the lines of "I don't follow politics" or "I don't know enough to have an opinion". Those are "safe" answers. It's a euphemism, of sorts. They can't say "No, I don't want the current President to remain in power" so they say "I don't have an opinion on the President". They can't get in trouble for giving that answer. I get the impression the vast majority of the people giving those dismissive answers can't share how they really feel on camera because it would be dangerous. It's not that they're apathetic, they're just aware of the risks that come along with speaking their mind.