I remember Soviet economic plans and claims. By the way, Iraq grew 17% las year. I have studied Russian hsitory and wish them the best, but I am sorry to see what Putin is doing. Have you seen the population stats? Birth rate low and life expectancy 3rd world.
The birth rate is low because abortion isn't outlawed during a time of population crisis and the west NGOs like Open Society give free cash for abortions and condoms.
I've been to Russia numerous times, my wife is Russian, there's a slew of reasons for low life expetancy none of them are Putin.