Enlighten us then. How would suggest Russia should be treated?

For a certain period of time, they definitely had significant influence.

They just refuse to acknowledge how Russia really operates.

By and large they have, actually, which is why one seldom hears the "oligarchs" mantra these days.

In other words -- though you're correct in response to the flagged commment, in the bigger-picture sense, you're railing against a straw man.

3 years of stalemate war right next door is not impressive at all - how far can Russia really project its power ?