do we really care?
Yes and no. It does clarify though that Putin is accountable to a complex population, and not everyone there would be on board with any closer ties being forged between them and us right now.
So it’s not just American Russia-skeptics weary of joining forces. I personally think cooperation with Russia is possible...in the future though, and not with Putin at the helm.
Do we care?
Somewhat-ish, I guess.
It’s certainly not on my list of concerns when I get up to go to work in the mornings.