>>512720225 (OP)
deflected attention from the fact that he was a poor leader that left most of russia to fester. he never developed Russia beyond being a glorified gas station.
In the 00's the "BRICS" concept was grounded in countries like Russia becoming one of the richest countries in the world on the assumption that they would develop and grow beyond their natural resources. Putin dropped the ball. Ineptitude and corruption got the better of Russia.
Nothing like a good war to keep the plebs from asking questions..... except he fucked that up too. A quick and decisive military incursion has now lasted 3 and a half years and shown Russia to be a paper tiger that happens to have 40yr+ old nukes that may or may not work.