USSR and China were sanctioned as well during the cold war. There was intentional difference in how they were sanctioned to cause them to split off. Both of th

USSR and China were sanctioned as well during the cold war. There was intentional difference in how they were sanctioned to cause them to split off. Both of these things worked as intended, causing USSR and China to work against each other and ultimately causing USSR to collapse. USSR was growing faster than the west early on. By 80s its economy was barely working. It just takes time. Russia is in much worse starting condition already than USSR was in 70s, it is more isolated, it has less allies, it's further behind in tech. If you want to believe Russia is doing fine, go ahead, it's just a very weird take.