In one sense he's correct but not when it comes to human interests and motivations and hatred. We live in a modern age with modern conveniences and weapons but are still stuck with the same primitive prejudices and tribalism tendencies.
Not to mention Putin is still living in the Soviet Union and seeing the world through Soviet eyes and Syria is set to be his Afghanistan. Only difference today: Russia has replaced Marxism with some convenient Orthodox Christian rhetoric. But their actions and allegiances show their hearts of their leaders are as godless and America-hating and Jew-hating as ever. Like their Muslim allies.