Interesting! I didn't know that serious political satire was ok in the USSR.
I think everybody else perceived the USSR to be a lot more uptight than it really was. Including me, apparently!
I object to them being Russians - clearly they are Vikings!Russians are more soulfull and romantic, whereas the Vikings really didn't bother with such emotions. Like the Klingons if I remember right.
Have no idea whether Russians have watched Star Trek with Klingons. My guess would be that most haven't. Personally I didn't see it until I was an adult and specifically sought it out, because I like sci-fi. But I don't think it's part of the culture outside of the English speaking world.