Have another look at Ecco’s they’re exactly what you’re looking for. There are good models for 1-200 dollars that last for years and are great for putting city miles on. I got a pair about four years ago when I was commuting on busses and going through cheap shoes every couple months. They’re still in great shape and clean up nice.
Russian propaganda sure is an “interesting” take on reality. The bully whines about getting their nose bloodied and is surprised nobody has any sympathy for them.