[tribaal]

Yes, you're right, they could. But I suspect the decision is made of things like:

- If it proves to be actually good, they might actually sell some of those chips, too (it's developing their local high-tech sector. Even a tiny piece of the market is better than none at all, especially if their own agencies kickstart it).

- It highers the cost for foreign intelligence to write software for that platform: their arsenal of viruses and trojans are completely useless. Unless you acquire detailed specifications of the platform, find some test chips, develop new software and finally infect your target... Takes time and money.

- They get some (positive, for once) international press.

- They can parade how awesome mother Russia is to their own nationalist ego.