That sounds dubious. The government's actual approval rating in Russia is, what, 5 percent? I remember watching a report about how people in Russia were literally jailed for giving the "wrong" answer to a street poll.

So, I suppose if they could somehow use money and influence to determine election results, they would use it in Russia, no?

So, I think the civilizational threat from Russia is about the same as from North Korea: nearly zero.