I think Putin is the best leader the Russians could have. He isn't "expansionist", he merely wants secure, defensible borders
Rubbish. The Russians have made many comments that Ukraine, Kazakhstan and the other formers parts of the Russian Empire are artificial states that shouldn't exist.
Putin wants the return of the Soviet/Russian Empire. Currently Russian is occupying Transnistria, Georgia and Ukraine and he's threatened the Baltic states, Poland, Denmark and Ukraine with nuclear weapons.
Not Expansionist, my arse.
Certainly the best leader the Russians can get, because thats what they want - a colonial master.