Paul Volcker and oil collapsed the Ruble. When the Volcker Rule was implemented, CFTC regulations were implemented, and the Chicago Merc went digital, manipulation of commodity and currency markets essentially ended. Improved economics on solar panels didn't help. The Ruble is backed by Russia's taxable wealth (which is low) and its natural resources (oil). When the banksters were finally run out in early 2014, commodity and currency markets began to normalize.

The world is back to the way it should be. Russia is going to be poor unless they learn how to build a capitalist economy. In all honesty, I'd rather have a small flat in Moscow with a hot Russian wife than a mansion in Bel Aire with and American pig. They'll be fine. They will just isolate themselves and focus on agriculture.