I t's not that Russia is "unlucky" per ses, but before they are the massive Russia that we know as of now, was a bunch of tiny little "countries" of their own back in the 15thh century, they were the kingdom of Muscovy, Novgorod republic, Tver, Ryazan, Odoyev, Perm,... Muscovy was evidently the most powerful kingdom in the bunch, and managed to conquer everything (ivan the terrible is terrible because he conquered Novgorod, among other things).

Now let's go a little back. During the 12-13th century, Ghengis Khan was bringing the entire Europe and Asia to its knee, conquering left and right. After his death, his horde fractured into many mini-horde tribes. This includes the golden horde (to whom the muskovy kingdom was a vassal state of until late 13th century), chagatai khanate, Uzbek khanate, nogai khanate,... Which makes up of Russia entire Eastern territory now (this is why Russia, despite being on both Europe and Asia, is considered a European country - its root has always been in the West, at that of the muskovy kingdom, while its Eastern side were conquered/colonized). During the 16-17 century, Russia managed to conquered all the old horde tribes, as well as colonizing Siberia, and basically double its size, making it one of the largest country known to man. That's another good thing (because in international politic, SIZE MATTERS).

Now its the 18th century. Peter the great and Catherine the great reigns. Both brings great policy reformation and drag Russia to become a major power in Europe.

Now it's the 19th century. Napoleon happens. Russia is still Russia, and Napoleon lost in Moscow

Now it's the 20th century. 2 world war happens. Hitler lost in Moscow.

Russia is a complex country with ups and downs in it's history. I can safely and honestly say most countries never catch a break, like ever. Not catching a break is not unique to Russia

Europe: 12th century: Ghengis Khan. War. 14-17th century: Ottoman empire. More war. 18th century: Prussia, war of the Spanish succession, more war. 19th: napoleon,even more war. 20th: 2 world war.

Now, for Asia, 12th: Ghengis. 13-17: China. 18-19th: colonialism/imperialism. 20-21: 2 world wars AND independent movements. Needles to say, war.

For America. Pre-1492: just native Americans. Post-1492: rip native Americans. Do I have to say war again... Well not really. It's basically a systematic victory for the technological advances side. It's not even a war since the other side has 0 chance of winning.

How does an "unlucky' country manage to be one of the biggest in the world? Because you have to be damn lucky to get to that size. Most countries during the 14-18th century gets absorbed into bigger powers, and are not united under a uniform, overarching nation-state as we witness today. I can safely say Russia is a damn lucky nation, comparing to like, I don't know, any other countries who are not great power?