Creates the illusion of fighting the enemy - even if that isn't what is happening in reality - so much of the Russian military effort seems to be about showing those higher up the chain that they are doing their job regardless of how effective they are at it. 'Look how many missiles we fired today sir' just don't ask where they went!
A national character built on bravado and machismo - why Putin does all that topless horse riding and other stunts - its all about face saving and whatever smoke and mirrors have to be employed to achieve that is fine by them.
No wonder the previous US President adored him.