Firstly, Russia has been tolerant of religion (read: Christianity since they are not tolerant of Muslims and Jews) since the collapse of communism. In
fact, in the later years of the USSR Christianity experienced a considerable revival.
With that said, it has not helped in any way. Your basic moral guides (which are innate to any person living in a society) have not changed the fact
that alcoholism and drug abuse run rampant in Russia. In fact, the Russian military is experiencing a shortage of men due to the fact that many of
them are dying due to alcoholism.
Corruption and organized criminal networks literally - not figuratively - run the country. The Russian Mafia is imbedded into the fabric of society.
The situation is far more bleak in Russia that it is in the US.
Just enjoy this video to see the wonders which Christianity has brought to Russia.
As for the article itself, I do not see how erecting a statue of Jesus will help the crisis in Syria, or the rest of the world. It's stupid and
everyone involved in the project is stupid too.