What do you think Russia was doing with the free trade that they were engaged in around the world?
It was buying stuff from the countries that actually have viable economies because it can't make anything of its own.
The major reason the US pushed against Russia through Ukraine was because Russia was having so much success, that they were breaking up the USD as the world currency. And the Ukraine was a handy US satellite for it to against Russia use at the moment.
They're were getting USD for oil/gas and spending it. By that logic I'm breaking up USD every day too, such evil me.
Now that the sanctions have backfired, have made Russia stronger than ever faster than ever, and have ignited nations around the world to join against the US (BRICS), the only thing that is stopping Russia is time. Just a little more time and Russia will break the US stranglehold.
Just like the Soviet Union defeated the rotten capitalist West in 1990. I thought that was enough excitement for me for a lifetime but now I can't wait to see it again. Good times.