Everything you say would be logical (if not necessarily truthful) in a democratic country under the rule of law. Russia's kleptrocracy under Putin cares not for law, and certainly not for democracy.
I would encourage people who are interested in this topic to watch the documentary, Icarus, on Netflix, and to check out the Lawfare podcast "Brookings Panel on 'Icarus' and Russian Meddling." It ties together some of the issues raised by Russia and the threats it currently poses.