I bet most commentators here has not even been to Russia recently, much less have lived there for any period of time.
People prefer to spout the simple stories that their egos hold in their brains.
FWIW, I have never been to Russia, but I have lived in multiple countries in Europe and Asia.
The reality is usually quite different from our biased and closely-held notions, and US MSM propaganda.
My Family came from that area, it was a lovely place to live until the Commies came in on the wings of WW 1