USSR made first class return as successor state (6)

I believe the answer is:

russia

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'successor state' is the definition.
'Russia' can be an answer for 'state' (Russia is a country). I'm unsure of the 'successor' bit.

'ussr made first class return' is the wordplay.
'made' indicates an anagram.
'first class' becomes 'ai' (A1 - top quality).
'return' says the letters should be written backwards.
'ai' backwards is 'ia'.
'ussr' with letters rearranged gives 'russ'.
'russ'+'ia'='RUSSIA'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for russia that I've seen before include "Putin's country" , "Sing US airs badly in the country" , "James Bond novel and film: 'From . . . . . . with Love'" , "Eastern European state" , "US air's bad in this country" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.