Stupid and unlikely thought I had: The West don’t want Russia to know just how weak it really is against the West so that Russia doesn’t kick itself into high gear trying to truly modernize its forces by eliminating the grift and corruption that plagues its MIC. A Russia plagued by a corrupt military is a Russia that is essentially toothless in an armed conflict.
Of course, this doesn’t excuse not allowing deep Russian strikes with already provided equipment.
My favorite is how they claim that PRC doesn’t invade anyone, ignorant of their attempts in Korea (Korean War) and Vietnam (after the Americans left).