This can't be possible. You are an intelligent and well read person, and if actually progressive in your politics then you support freedom of speech, rule of law, transparency in government, democratic regular and peaceful transfer of power, all the things that putin has destroyed in Russia and is actively trying to destroy around the globe. Today, Russia is a textbook 1984 state, built around the fascist model rather than the communist model. Russia has demonized itself, what you call demonization from "liberals" is just honest reporting.