Those myths were good two decades ago. Baltic states are ghost towns nowadays with slums all around business districts. Did you see Western coties comared to the Russian?
Look at the Russian debt, compared to that of the US.
What shopping spree they are talking about?
There are two primary sources of Russian growth.
The return of capital that is not much interested in a flight abroad anymore.
Import substitution on the departure of foreign businesses.
Government “shopping spree” in a reason #936.
If you don’t see a difference between a missile and a ship I can’t help you.
Regarding old space ships check out who is relieving the US mission stranded in space due to the malfunction of Crew Dragon.
Do you realize that Russia has more than 20 chip manufacturers? Russia also can make tooling required to make chips. The US doesn’t have the capability to make most chips, and no capability to make tools whatsoever hence the hysteria over Taiwan.
Sorry, fellows, but this take is not supported by anything. He killed left and right, many of the supposed communists were people his henchmen looked to rob and his economy was corrupt to boot.