Russia - threadbanned users in OP

I flew in Antonovs and Illyushins in the 90s, Im plenty aware what Russia aircraft industry was capable of and not capable of with limited access to western tech. Cue the conspiracy theory guys on here go mental when they learn that.

No "conspiracy theory guys" required. This is really simple: Just like the Soyuz system those antonovs and illyushins(the former being made in Ukraine) were products of the Soviet Union, an entity that was significantly more self sufficient than Russia today. They were their own economy essentially, buying and selling mostly to each other and with limited access to, nor particular want of western tech. That is not the Russia of today or of the past twenty years. Their internal Sukhoi Superjet family uses French engines and avionics(and was still outdated by about a decade). Their latest Sukhoi airliner that was about to go into production had even more western tech involved, so that's a bust for the foreseeable. They could rattle up engines without too much trouble(so long as they avoid western licences) though it would take time, but the avionics, similar to the electronical bits and bobs in the humble modern washing machine, are quie simply currently beyond them. Even their military stuff uses Western tech now. And when their internal systems aren't the most reliable, well an Amazon bought handheld GPS doohickey can be gaffer taped to your top flight fighter bombers dashboard..

They got so far behind in this technology. The Soviet Union going belly up in the 1990's did not help one bit. The 90's was when all that stuff really exploded worldwide and unfortunately Russia, Russia's resources and ordinary Russians were busily being raped by a small gang of criminals, as usual. Then putin took over consolidated the criminals into the ones he liked and squeezed out the rest, gave more scraps from his table to ordinary Russians and gave them a sense of pride again they thanked him for it. Understandably too. Any Russian living through the shítshow of the 90's sees Russia since putin as a golden age by comparison. Any other narrative is a hard sell, especially to that generation.

But you still didn't answer those simple questions. "They built outdated stuff in Soviet times FACT!" is not an answer, but you know that of course. So it's easier to avoid and push the oul "without Mother Russia you're all going to freeze this winter you decadent western pigdogs! stuff. Again it's the all too basic Russian spin.

Actually he/she's one of the better ones I've come across. Started off easy, tried to look "reasonable", but when pushed the mask slips all too easily.

Oh they're working alright Wassie and the sure sign they are is the same sanctions are damn near all Russian media and Russian sympathisers talks about. And they're all running from the exact same script too.

They're hurting you worse! If that was the case surely they'd want that and say nada? They try to garner sympathy with this. Oh but we love our ordinary westerners and you're the one's suffering, it's your corrupt leaders we hate. And Americans. War mongering NATO bastards etc.

The Chinese will help us! When the evidence on the ground shows nope, beyond buying the oil they can't offload elsewhere at knockdown prices. Another popular one is that Russian oil is being transferred in the middle of the ocean to get around sanctions. Yep.

Russia economy is strong, just look at the Rouble! When the fact the Rouble is so strong proves the sanctions are biting.

Well Putinbots would be quick to point out that Germany is donating millions per day for Russian gas and they have a point there. For a nice change. Germany's political class have been compromised, that's pretty sure at this stage.