Not a true European state. Some say it's tragedy of Russia. Some say it's a blessing. Russia has been trying to be a Europe country, but it just couldn't. It's elite is very European, but its mass population is not. Europe never treat Russia as a European state either. I wouldn't be surprised if one day Russia want to exit Europe (Ruexit?)and join Asia. After all the future of 21st century is in Asia, not in Europe.
2. It also due to America is a young country and geographically isolated . Yes, we did have wars with the neighbor Mexico. But these wars are nothing comparing to those of many other countries in their history. Our "simple geography" makes us difficult to understand many countries.
Not just Russia, It's also true that few Americans understand China. But that's another story.