> The sole Russian Carrier today was built and docked in Ukraine. When the USSR collapsed Russia stole and basically destroyed it out of sheer incompetence.

That's strictly due to geography. There are not too many places in USSR where one can build decently sized wharfs.

Indeed geography has a well-recorded way of shaping civilizations, cultures, and their competencies.

Are you referring to Jared Diamond?

My understanding is that he overstepped his boundary as a scientist here and lack recognition for that particular theory.

But I’m a random guy; I might be off base myself

True, but even if Ukraine had retained the Admiral Kuznetsov they wouldn't have been able to afford to operate it. They don't have the infrastructure or escort vessels that would have been needed. So, if they had kept the ship it would be rusting at the dock or broken up for scrap (which would be better for everyone).