One thing is that laws of physics don't have nationality nor borders. Another is that the engineers designing Buran were told to "make it look like US Shuttle"

One thing is that laws of physics don't have nationality nor borders. Another is that the engineers designing Buran were told to "make it look like US Shuttle" - only look, mind you, as outside of common shape the design is completely different. One of the reasons I've seen for this order was to make a point to USA, though I do not remember the details. MiG designers were reportedly annoyed at the requirement, but still made it look like Shuttle - and be several times more capable than Shuttle.