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.
True as long as one understands the Russia today is not the Soviet Union of yesterday. Since the fall of the Soviet Union and stumblings thereafter it has taken long for the Russian people to adjust to the new era they now live... and for them it has had to be a slow process which continues even now. But they are certainly making great progress and in time further will see even further progress for the people and their environment.