I got an early lesson from parents before traveling to Central America in Junior HS. They explained that the countries I was about to travel to did not share laws w the USA and that officials in these places could basically do whatever they wanted.
It was in reference to my long hair at the time, (and cutting it before the trip). I just could not understand how anyone could legally tell me how to wear my hair. They told me that they could cut it at the border if they wanted. I had it chopped.
Point being, they can take your camera and throw it in the trash right in front of you. There is no US constitution or anything similar and as a bonus, our relationship w Russia is at an almost all-time low. I totally understand the sentiment behind your idea but I’d just lay low and blend in as you always do as a seasoned traveler. If some particular place seems too dicey at the moment, I would not go there.
