Reflecting on the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s dissolution, Russian President Vladimir Putin termed the event as one of the greatest catastrophes of the 20th century. This sentiment stems primarily from its immediate impact on the ethnic Russian population, a theme that has found recurring resonance in Putin’s rhetoric. According to Putin, the collapse of the Soviet Union led to an unprecedented situation where overnight, 25 million Russians found themselves living outside Russia’s borders. These individuals suddenly transitioned from being citizens of a dominant global power to becoming ethnic minorities in newly formed nations. This demographic shift, Putin underscores, elucidates...