I didn’t read your dissertation because I don’t care to debate this much. I’d probably agree with most of it anyways. My usage of the term is from that they claim to be communist, and they defend/promote the authoritarian Russian government. They’re tankies.

Doesn’t matter if they’re real tankies or cosplay tankies or fake Russian bots emulating tankies; they’re tankies. Putin’s claimed and actual policies are wholly irrelevant. This is the colloquial usage, regardless of whether or not you think it accurate to your definition.