The GDP of Russia, with all their oil and people, is the same as Italy which has no oil, and about 1/3 of Russia's population.
Can Russia feed itself, these days? Besides oil and armaments, what does Russia make?
Kiev was the capital of the classic Russian culture (Kievan-Rus), which wasn't indigineous, since it came from the ruling Nordics from Scandinavia-Sweden.
"Slav" is a Nordic term for "slave." Russia, from "Rus" also derives from Scandinavian dominance.
FWIW and IMO, the US is poorly served by a President that is limited to intentionally insulting Putin, with his "regional power" quip.
After over 5 years of Obama, Putin, the King of Saudi Arabia, and other leaders must have this street punk sized up, and plan to take him for all they can.