I think USSR fans generally dont care about safety. Its assumed there will be casaulties, the end justifies the means. One needs to either spend some time in Russia, or know Russians well to appreciate how much this influences everyday life in their country.
This is very wrong. Neither USSR nor Russia really did/do think this way as a general rule. Human life is valued a lot.
What's that got to do with Venus landings?
Nothing. The statement reeks of capitalist/american fragility. People can't tolerate the idea that capitalism isn't the absolute best choice in completely every aspect of our lives.