These are just rumors
Well, those might not be quite rumors but rather speculations by some people allegedly close to Putin but regardless, it makes no sense for Russia to mine Bitcoin and compete with China (which would be a losing battle anyway). If anything, Russia would rather try to push their own crypto, but personally, I believe in neither possibility. In other words, these are most likely just empty talks
You do have a point though on which we cant really be sure if those informations are legit or not but thinking of that theres a competition between countries i would like to know what would be the goal if they won such battle? Its a senseless thing to think off that they would fight for the spot on having the biggest mining operations. Most likely maybe they would create their own coin, but well who knows because
no one do really have an idea on whats on their mindsI can tell you that with certainty
Personal profits are on their minds exclusively. They don't care for Bitcoin, blockchain, or whatever, all what they are actually looking for is money which they could receive as budget financing if they successfully push this idea into the budget plan for the next few years. Whether it will bring anything of substance doesn't in the least interest these dudes. All the buzz words they say with such a serious tone and pompous view are said entirely with this purpose in mind