[CoastalCoder]

Not sure the GP had this mind, but if Putin won a free election before becoming an autocrat, that would satisfy both constraints.

[medo-bear]

I think the difference is this

Russian Government: We will bomb X because they pose a threat to Russia's interests

American Government: We will bomb X because they need freedom

[kevin_thibedeau]

He had already been appointed to a position where he had the power to rig his first election.

[avgcorrection]

At what point does the democractic mandate run out? He’s been in power for a awhile.