I think Putin loves his country almost as much as Trump loves HIS country, which is much more than can be said for any of the people currently in power here. Putin is doing what he thinks is best for his country, which is appropriate for someone in his position. I don't begrudge him that. It's not his fault that no one in power is standing up for America right now.
That's kind of what I'm seeing.
Back in second grade, we were taught to hide under our desks in case the Russians attacked us with nuclear weapons. Cleveland (where I grew up) was #8 on their list, we were told. I'm pretty sure that desk, heavy as it was, would have had no effect in the event of a direct nuclear strike.