> Putin was a figurehead of the oligarch clan from Saint-Petersburg, who happened to have KGB connections as well. Russia had moved from the Western-like democratic path already. They could've chosen another person with the same results.

There were no oligarchs in St. Petersburg when Putin got into politics, and he wasn't a figurehead. Putin had ties to the St. Petersburg underworld, who were experienced with capitalism during communism. His affiliation with them helped him work his way up St. Petersburg politics as a deal fixer.

> It doesn't matter. Professional criminals don't operate out of hate.

Many of Putin's actions are absolutely driven by hatred of the West.

> Had Zyuganov become president in 1996, there could be an opportunity to build the democratic tradition of transition of power.

Only Zyuganov is to blame for losing. Pinning this on Americans is a huge stretch.