I visited Russia and several other communist countries when I was young. As far as I know, I never met Putin but I did witness:

• the corruption rampant in communist states
• the way citizens live in fear in police states
• the feeling of powerlessness and defenselessness of the citizens of communist states
• the queues lining up for basics like bread in communist states
• the absolute poverty of citizens in communist states
• the way communist states imprison their own citizens within their borders
• the denial of free speech in communist states

It astounds me that many who accuse others of being "Putin's friend" are in fact trying to cover up the potential:

• spying by the government on its own citizens
• use of government departments against political opponents
• government departments withholding information from the people's representative (congress) who are supposed to be providing oversight
• bribery of those in power
• etc.

I could go on - but suffice to say, I would encourage you to think for yourself before you parrot a political slogan.