The phrase “chips off the old Russian block” could be a playful twist on the common idiom “chip off the old block”, which means someone who closely resembles or inherits traits from their parent or ancestor. In the context of Russia, this phrase might refer to people, ideas, or elements emerging from Russia’s historical or cultural legacy, perhaps alluding to the continuation of Russian traditions, policies, or influence in certain contexts.
It might be used in discussions of geopolitics, where a country or individual mirrors traits of historical Russian leadership or actions, or in cultural contexts where modern Russian practices reflect older Russian traditions. The phrase could also reflect Russia’s ongoing influence in international affairs, with current figures or policies resembling those from its past.
Without more context, it’s unclear whether the phrase is referring to a specific event, person, or movement, but it suggests a strong continuity of Russian influence or characteristics.