Then I guess either me or you misunderstanding OP's meaning in "I grew up in the Eastern Bloc, give me a break. It's tiring being patronized by wealthy liberal Americans continually arguing how Russia isn't really that bad.". It seems you understood is as "economic conditions in Russia (or Eastern Europe in general) are still very bad" but I think OP meant Russia's behavior on international stage.

I understood it as they grew up in communism or the 90's. Left for greener pastures. Probably haven't returned to see things get better.

I've seen the same attitude a lot with most immigrants from that region of a certain generation.

Yes, things definitely became much better economically in Eastern Europe, but I don't think OP was talking about that.