I read the article but I don’t understand. Did Russia demand the T-34’s back from Laos?
Yes, they “got them” back from Loas, but I didn’t get the impression it was a “steal” or an intimidation. Probably cash for clunkers deal, with an option for modern military “real” equipment more important.
Putin is a Communist, but he understands the real world. A “mad client” does not buy again. And, in Putin’s world, making the WWII USSR/RMother Russia stnad victorious again is very, very important.
And the T34 (for all of its faults) was a world-beater at the time. He HAS TO continue its (past) glories.
Our own F84 and P80 jets are on display worldwide as 3rd world jets. They too are bought, brought to the US and flown. As private enterprises, but the same idea.