They'd prefer not to have war. they can't afford a major one.
What evidence led you to believe they are
desperate?
I don't think there is any evidence they are desperate. Sure...you've been told they are...but is there any evidence of anything except they woild prefer better relations with the USA.
Some of the more extreme folk there are giving threats to elect Trump.
Putin ally tells Americans: vote Trump or face nuclear war
Americans should vote for Donald Trump as president next month or risk being dragged into a nuclear war, according to a Russian ultra-nationalist ally of President Vladimir Putin who likes to compare himself to the U.S. Republican candidate.
Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a flamboyant veteran lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric, told Reuters in an interview that Trump was the only person able to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington.
By contrast, Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton could spark World War Three, said Zhirinovsky, who received a top state award from Putin after his pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) came third in Russia's parliamentary election last month.
Many Russians regard Zhirinovsky as a clownish figure who makes outspoken statements to grab attention but he is also widely viewed as a faithful servant of Kremlin policy, sometimes used to float radical opinions to test public reaction.
But there is no evidence those in charge are desperate.