~Perhaps the author should take note of the “reliability” of established Russian launch vehicles.~
Do you have any numbers on are they statistically safe or unsafe, comparing to non-Russian boosters?
Success rate As of Dec. 2013
Proton = 65 of 71
Atlas V = 41* of 42
Delta 4 = 17 of 17
*The Atlas LV performed perfectly, and it was the 2nd firing of the Centaur Upper Stage which did not complete.
However, the Satellites were able to correct the orbit insertion error and reach their destination.