Despite all the imperialism, Russians keep their wallets close. Western-aligned government (with expected rise in living standard) would've been an argument to

Despite all the imperialism, Russians keep their wallets close. Western-aligned government (with expected rise in living standard) would've been an argument to stay in Ukraine, not to leave for Russia. In grander scheme, I believe that to be among the among main reasons why Russia invaded Ukraine. Free, prosperous Ukraine would've become an alternative power center in the Russian-speaking world. Imagine if Ukraine had followed Poland post-1991 and had the same median wage nowadays, double the median wage in Russia, with free access to Western markets. That would simply drain Russia from talent, and undermine Putin's legitimacy and the power of all who surround him. What would've been the reason to live or start a business in Russia if you could move to a country with very similar culture, do the same job, and earn multiples of what your potential in Russia would be capped to? All while enjoying better security in all aspects: economomic safety, personal safety from harm, rule of law, etc.