In principle, faith in God can bridge the gap. Russia is at least nominally Orthodox, and that’s a challenge since they are aloof from Catholics and Protestants who in comparison are bosom buddies.
Well....principals only come into play between these two when it’s advantageous to sound principled to the audiance. I think they both know the charade they pull off between them all to well.
I the end there are two pushes by Russia...the first they are pretty much wiped out but recover...the final push will come against the nations....either way Russia’s days are simply numbered when all is said and done.
I don’t think Putin has much faith if any....I do believe he has hawks behind him just as the US does. Not that he isn’t thuggish, because he is, I do think that Bush mad him feel repected as a man and as a leader and why they got along.
But Putin and Obama are about as far apart as any could be...ego maniacs with each other always trying to get the upper hand.