Then in 1991 , the Soviet Union collapsed , replaced by the Russian Federation and several other ex-Soviet Republics who became independent states .
With the end of the Cold War , the Eastern Bloc fell apart , effectively ending the Soviet sphere of influence .
Then in 1991 , the Soviet   collapsed , replaced by the Russian Federation and several other Soviet Republics who became independent states .
With the end of the Cold War , the Eastern Bloc fell apart , effectively ending the Soviet sphere of influence .