Russia is very involved in other nations. Russia previously would opt to do similar things and go into countries and help regimes and leaders that were sympathetic to their cause and political view, think 1950s-60s Communist Cuba. Russia has recently opted for more covert, even passive-aggressive ways to influence countries. They are engaging in more of a information war. They are undermining the trust of leaders through disinformation. In areas, that are more open to their influence they are more likely to engage in more open obvious forms of influencing. The best approach depends on what you are trying to accomplish. I think the more covert style is better. It is harder to track and can be easily blamed on a "fringe" group out to hurt relations between the two nations. If you are wanting to gain an edge and remain "innocent" in the eyes of the rest of the world, covert is the best option.
