Russia's military has been grinding and has experienced some embarrassing setbacks, with the country also increasingly isolated.
US News said that some of Russia's power comes from its huge size, which is "difficult to imagine," with Russia being the largest country in the world by landmass.
Its standing is also boosted as it shares borders with so many countries, as well as sea borders with Japan and the US.
US News pointed to Russia's big industries like oil and natural gas production, agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing, as well as the country's history as a major weapons exporter.
It also pointed to Russia's contributions to culture with its many celebrated authors, and to science with its history of space exploration.
Persons:
Vladimir Putin, ILYA PITALEV
Organizations:
Russia, SPUTNIK, Getty Images Russia, US, News, World Trade Organization, United Nations Security Council
Locations:
Russia Russian, Ukraine, Russia, Japan