The thing that amazes me is that most of the Russian large vessels were deigned and built during Soviet times and even today pose a huge image
Well, it's like the U.S. Navy Ticonderoga cruisers.
Like them, the Soviet Sovs, Udaloys, Slavas and Kirovs, have improved sensor suites and weapons systems, and then retrofitted those systems to the vessels, which has kept the vessels very potent and capable.
Same is true of the Chinese Sovs, Type 52s or the Type 51B IMHO. With decent sensors and very powerful ASMs, any navy will have to respect them.
They do have radar cross section issues...but if they can find you, with their strong ASMs they are a mortal threat anyway.