Putin cannot quench the thirst for freedom in Russia.  As long as Russians can read, see, and hear they will learn how others think and live in the world.
The steamroller of the information age has momentum now; there is no stopping it. Relentless efforts to do so merely add to the pent-up anger and frustration -- and Putin has yet to see it.
He can raid homes and offices; he can arrest Russians on bogus charges; he can torture them.  But these measures only fan the flames of freedom.
Putin cannot extinguish the fires by killing the Russians in whose chest they are burning.
Nor will he find a shortage of Nathan Hales in Russia whose only regret is that they have but one life to give for freedom in their country.