Russia have been rumbling on for years. On my last flight over that country,the passenger plane I was travelling in,was escorted either side of the craft,by two fighter jets because of being in their air-space.It was,and felt rather intimidating as the pilot had to remain silent for the 3 odd hours it took to fly over the country.He wasn't allowed to make contact of any sort to anyone as we headed towards Orly airport.
Gorbachov was the best leader they had.He was more " human ".