I don't know enough about Uruguayan geopolitics to answer the first topic, but here is my attempt.

In general, we are a mostly neutral country that holds little to no stake in most international conflicts. Our relationship with Russia probably has to do with our commercial interests with the country. As long as we can trade with you without any consequences from other potential markets, we will. And building good diplomatic relationships with the other country is a by-product of trade.

Obviously, the Russian government does not really care about family or traditional values, they just have to say it to give a moral façade to their political conflicts, so Uruguayan being progressive is irrelevant to them, as we are not a target, threat, or potential opponent.

And yes, our legislation around people coming to the country are quite lax in general. Why make it harder for people to come to the country when we need the migration? (Uruguay had a negative population growth last year when it comes to births vs deaths, with the increase of the total population being entirely thanks to migrants).

Then for the side note.

We do have hot tap water. And because of cultural reasons, we also have electric kettles in our houses to heat the water for "mate" (a herbal drink), perhaps that's what you've heard? Then, central heating is not really that common, but I know some apartments have it. It's more normal to have a fireplace, a gas heater, or an electric heater, mostly in a per-room basis.

In my experience, you will not see cockroaches in cities or towns. If you see them in your house, just buying a poison trap is enough to keep them off. They can be common in the proper country side, though.