There is an evidence of democratic regression in Russia after Putin assume the reins of government. The president has strengthened the control to the Federation, the State Duma, political parties, news media, as well as the economic lifeline. While the relation with the West has deteriorated, the nationalism has risen. Democratic regression is mainly due to frustration of economic reform, social unrest, divided between rich and poor, rampant separatism in Chechnya and the rise of nationalism. But Russia retained the universal suffrage, civil society, freedom of speech and other basic elements of democracy, there is reason for optimism.