Either you are a "superpower" or you are not.
Doubtless Putin sees that the restoration of 'face' to an entire people, even under a different label, has certain value for a despot.
The one Russian I have been on a drillsite with thought Stalin was a great guy.
The failures and atrocities are readily overlooked by those seeking a "strong leader", so long as the atrocities are aimed elsewhere, at someone else.
It is part and parcel of the "Go team, go!" pep-rally mentality which often dominates political debate here, just ramped up a few notches.
As long as their guy is percieved as a "winner", and their nation is too, much unforgiveable will be forgiven or overlooked.
I am no shrink, but it seems as if the same sort of cultural phenomenon happened in Germany and helped bring the Nazis into power behind another 'strongman' who was rebuilding his country's perception of self-respect.
Maybe I am wrong, and calling this on too little data, but I think we are just beginning to see the Russia of the future, and it is particularly testing our level of resolve after years of bombardment by the MSM at home.
Besides, if we are 'surprised' by an older style weapons platform, then what does that say for all our technology?
Mike