None of that appeared to get in the way of the Russian people welcoming those from other countries. Obvious the older generations might have difficulty with old bruises etc. but it’s a different generation now who want to be accepted and let the past be in the past.
I wasn’t alive during Soviet times but have been taught by people who did make frequent trips during the era and Russian hospitality did not go anywhere. Friendly relationships existed between Russians and foreigners during that era as well and while travel remain limited, the Soviet Union hosted people from countries all over. (People from Africa who went to study engineering for example, among a host of others...)
What I’m trying to say is, while the BBC and US Media may FAIL on all accounts with regard to covering just about ANYTHING (not just Russia) — one can love Russia and its culture yet have a strong anti-Putin, anti-Kremlin worldview plus some criticisms about tendencies unique to the population. It’s perfectly valid. Doesn’t make one ignorant or a hater...Quite the contrary. It’s out of love that some of the most devoted writers and thinkers on Russia address these issues at all.