Russia is the closest country to being completely self sufficient in natural resources, this alone makes Russia extremely powerful, but unfortunately, the USSR squandered much of these resources through insufficient development and planning. Russia continues to have petroleum development problems. Russia is highly polluted. Environmental problems are widespread across Russia, but they aren't everywhere. The pollution is a major cause for the health problems in Russia today.
Radioactivity is a large contributor to the pollution problem.
Chernoble is the 2nd to 3rd largest release rate of radioactive elements. Russia is developing a severe demographic problem. Russia is losing its population due to very low fertility rates and a low life expectancies, especially among men who are only expected to live until the age of 56, while women are expected to live until 69 years old. This is thought to be largely due disease caused by the rampant environmental problems. Russia has a severe infrastructure problem.