That might explain why their film-based spy sats[0] used to return the camera as well as the film, unlike their US counterparts[1][2] that just returned the film capsule.
> their Orlan drones have been found with consumer cameras for their optics
As well as more advanced Thales thermal imaging systems that were installed in combat vehicles (tanks, IFV). AFAIK they were produced in Russia under a license from Thales (a French company) till at least 2016. Thales was likely evading sanctions
Modern optics are absolutely out of the question, which is why their Orlan drones have been found with consumer cameras for their optics.