Russia's long period of isolation ended with the appearance of Tsar Peter The Great. Peter traveled all along Europe learning and studying western life in all aspects. In his return he brought back new ideas and experts and began a process of "westernization", the adoption of western ideas, tech, and culture changing all aspects of the Russian social, political and economic life. To do so he became the most autocratic ruler in Europe having all Russian institutions under his control, including the church. This lead was adopted by Peter's successor Catherine the great, who continued to bring new ideas and expanding Russian territory. And all of this ended up in a new Modern/powerful state.