I agree with you, that it’s a pretty fucked up statement to make. However, I always try to view these from the perspective of these people. They want help. The best way to get this help is by saying they like Putin, so he should be doing more for them. It doesn’t matter if it’s true or not, you don’t attack the only person who can help you.

I have no way to know what these people actually did or believed. I think they’re bad people for not at least speaking out sooner. However, I also don’t take their statement as purely honest. I don’t ever think desperate people begging for help are honest. It’s the same reason I don’t trust admissions of guilt to police when police are effectively torturing and threatening people. They’ll say anything to improve their situation, whether it’s true or not.