Putin has been but Russia could have gone a different route rather than keep Putin in power all these years.
Russia really doesn't win keeping itself xenophobic of the West.
Japanese, Korean, & German culture are all very popular here in American entertainment today.
Russia could have continued to preserve, celebrate, and expand her culture around the world through Western entertainment and alliances.
Instead out of fear to preserve it Russia has become isolated from people that otherwise would have happily bought her stuff.
It is possible that Russia could have gone a different way.
Japan, Korea, and Germany all gave up significant autonomy by falling into the US alliance, but also reaped significant rewards.
I think it is debatable if the west would want Russia in alliance.
I think the really interesting question is what a country like Russia or China would have to give up to be on good terms with the US.
For one, I think they would have to give up any ability to militarily defend themselves against the US. They would also probably have to give up any allies that the US doesn't approve of. Last, they would probably have to share control over any countries are territories currently in their sphere of influence with the West.
This is obvious if you answer the following questions:
1) Was Russian influence and power in Ukraine increasing or decreasing prior to the invasion?
2) Was Russian economic and military power increasing or decreasing in Europe prior to the war?
3) Is Russia stronger or weaker relative to NATO than the USSR was?
I dont see how you can claim US and NATO power is was challenged more by Russia in 2022 than it was in the 20th century.
To the contrary, the war in Ukraine is the result of growing hegemony in Europe, as more Nations fall into the orbit of the US. The is Russia fighting to preserve it's sphere of influence and prevent it's collapse.
I'm not saying that makes Russia a 'good guy", but I don't think there is any other way to interpret the *power balance" leading up to the war.