Russia wants to appear to be a world power, though I've no fucking idea why as it's a pointless and wasteful role.
To do that I suppose they decide to prop up the cheapest options out there with the most to gain from being given a hand job by them. And it annoys everyone else.
If the Russians know that their country is shit, and they are the poor slaves that will lead to the fact that Putin's throw from the Kremlin. He is very afraid and therefore tries to maintain the myth about the greatness of Russia.
It would be sad if true. From going to stars to that...