the easy answer mr frog...is...i dont believe the russians ever "go for broke" these days..they're smarter than that

the hard anwer is:

russia has seen bad times brought on by greedy people...socialist/communist/capitalist

they could give a sht about hugo!!!

but they are hungrier than the western world...and they are working to get "ahead".......much like the western world is starting to think about

i like russian people....i've partied and lived with them...i've fought against them when i had more resources than they did......and i've sent thoughtful gestures to them when thier job was to hurt me.....

i have to admit that the russians (ie agapov and others) have done a stellar job in promotion with the internet, local and national press....

but imo....the russians should be siding with us on all serious issues... we (the western world and eastern europe) are a very "like minded" people and should work together...