Repeat the term “collusion” often enough, and the residual effects of this repetition is for it to stick in people’s minds.
Reality is not allowed to intrude. The meme becomes “Trump = collusion”, further proof not necessary.
How, exactly, was a Trump victory supposed to benefit the Russians to a greater degree than a Hillary victory? EVERYTHING was going their way so long as the Obama-Clinton machine remained in power. The Trump presidency has already been a powerful headwind for the Russian Federation and its attempt to assume world leadership, and the pushback is only going to get stronger. The Russians have already done a number of course corrections, and they may not be able to recover their former progress and momentum.
Russians might not be dominated by the precepts of Communism any longer, but they are still Russians. And as such, they are always destined to be rivals of the United States. Whether as uneasy allies or unrelenting opponents, is pretty much predicated on how strong the US becomes and remains.
A strong America forces their grudging respect. A weak America brings out the bully aspect of the Russian psyche, and they proceed to become adamant and overbearing.
That's a fact. Reminds me of a scene from Billions about allegations. Apologies if the language offends anyone's sensibilities.