>>519217570 (OP)
Imagine a Venn diagram.
One circle represents qualities that make someone a good leader. Selfless, a measured degree of empathy, intelligence, wisdom, charisma, etc.
One circle represents qualities which are necessary to become a leader. Ambition, ruthlessness, cunning, etc.
In the systems of most nations, there is some degree of overlap between the two. The best nations favor the former over the latter.
In Russia, they're two entirely separate circles. To get to the top in Russia, you must have all of the qualities that make you a monstrous human being, and none of the qualities that would actually make you good at running the country. Practically everything about the way Russia is, is designed to select for ruthless despots.