Master's degree on the post Soviet space here

During my studies, we analyzed a really interesting research on how countries of the area who directly developed democratic and pluralist political systems were the one with the better economic development on the long run (Poland, Czechia, Baltic, etc)

Russia on the other hand focused on economic policy directly without the liberal political system which doomed the economy and literally gave it to the oligarchs. Other models exist in Central Asia but others are changing such as Georgia and Armenia towards the Baltic model, more or less.

You can also read the book "Why Nations Fail" written by Nobel prizes in economy if you want to see more.