On Russia (Politics Monday)

Many conservatives here in the United States are hesitant to take an anti-Russia stance due to the Russian government’s anti-liberal policies, nationalistic policies, and the country's safer, cleaner cities. My question is: As far as the Russian government's anti-liberal policies go, do they not get it right, in a Catholic context? For example:

- Russia does not have same-sex marriage

- It's a federal crime there to commit public blasphemy

- They have strict abortion laws (though it's not illegal altogether)

- The production of pornography there is illegal

- The Satanic Temple was recently banned there

Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The Russian Orthodox Church is the dominant church and is hostile to Catholics, and the government suppresses free speech and protests. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was wrong, but Western foreign policies are no better, either (especially America, I admit). But is Russian society not closer to the ideal for many Catholics? All the stuff that we lament people doing here in the West, wouldn't even be attempted in Russia. While this is due to strict law enforcement (which isn't ideal), it raises the question of if societal morality can be upheld without the use of some hard power. I really hope it can. Anyway, I can honestly see why conservatives don't see them as the enemy. It's not like they're the godless USSR anymore. (In fact, you could argue that we're the godless ones now).

I understand that Putin is probably an atheist who only does these things for public support, and that he probably hates the United States and NATO, which is why I'm hesitant to say that Russia's not the enemy. But I'm curious to know what other Catholics think of all this. I look forward to reading your replies. Let me know if I got something wrong.