Russia and Ukraine

[Ivan Denisovich]

Similarly: If Russia gave up Putin, Georgia, Moldova, Belarus, Armenia, Ukraine and many other old Warsaw Pact countries would not resist the “sphere of influence” of Russia: I’M talking about Moscow becoming some sort of economic hub that is similar to the EU. And this hub would have good relations with the EU and China as well.

You seem to be quite sure but I see nothing that would support your statement. As for putler - if not him then ruᛋᛋia will have another dictator at it's head; we're talking about country that knew freedom only for short while between deposing the tsar and Lenin takeover. Scenario in which ruᛋᛋia really democratize is about as likely as Lenin second coming.
 
ruᛋᛋia is nothing more than world shithole, anus mundi if you want some Latin. Even if razed to the ground I doubt that anything of worth would grow there.