U.S.S.R. was formed from Russian Empire. Hence the reason has been know as Russia. In Africa is was known as Urusi due to Arabic language Influence.
Putin is wants to keep NATO far away from its borders. NATO was formed as a detterence to U.S.S.R.
After fall of U.S.S.R. NATO continued expanding Eastwards even after NATO and U.S. promised that wouldnt happen.
Now NATO borders Russia through Balitic states and now wants to absord Ukraine.
Russia is a Federation made of several Republics once NATO knocks the door of Russia . The Republics will want to breakaway.
Putin is right in trying to avert this and maintain Russian Sovereignity.
Ussr..we in global south refer to ussr..as Russia
USSR is not Russia, rather Russia made the most powerful brother in the USSR system.
Putin wants that, even when the populace see no benefit.