When comparing the territorial extents of the Soviet Union and the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union ultimately had a broader reach. At its peak, the Soviet Union covered about 22.4 million square kilometers, making it the largest country in the world. This vast land included not only Russia but also numerous other republics across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.
In contrast, the Russian Empire, which existed from the early 18th century until the early 20th century, spanned approximately 22.8 million square kilometers at its height. However, its territorial extent was primarily concentrated in Europe and parts of Asia. Much of the territory included in the Soviet Union was gained after the Russian Empire’s dissolution in 1917.
So, while the Russian Empire technically had a slightly larger area during its peak, the Soviet Union’s size included a greater variety of regions and nations under its administration. Thus, in a functional sense, the Soviet Union operated as a much larger entity due to its diverse geographic and political landscape. In summary, although they were roughly similar in size, the Soviet Union expanded its boundaries significantly during its existence.