Speaking hypothetically

In the last few days Putin has declared a no fly zone over parts of Syria and canceled a meeting between US and Russian diplomats. Let's suppose that Putin bears a long-standing grudge bordering on hatred for the US because of the way the Cold War ended and the subsequent break up of the Soviet Union , which Putin has called the worst event in the history of Russia. Let's also suppose that he is constantly looking for retribution or revenge.

Let's suppose that during last year's primary and general election campaigns Putin was watching closely and observed the emergence of an unusual contender. This contender was not only abrasive and bullying but he had other characteristics that might have appealed to Putin. He questioned the value of NATO which has been an obstacle to Putin's ambitions in the Baltic and Ukraine regions. He seemed to be woefully ignorant of foreign relations and basically appeared to have no strategy to deal with the questions facing the United States. Further, he proposed to basically dismantle the government in place and rid Washington of nearly everybody who actually had knowledge and experience. Would it be any wonder that Putin would do his best to help such a person gain the presidency? And would it  be likely that having watched the total dysfunction of the Trump White House, including Trump's disastrous foreign trip in which he took sides in an internicine secular Mideast war and then basically insulted US European allies that Putin would see this as an occasion to see how far he could push against the United States and its allies in furtherance of his plan to enlarge the importance of Russia on the world stage?
Donnie's current foray into foreign relations is to send Jared Kushner to achieve lasting peace between Palestine and Israel. Kushner's title is" Senior Adviser" which is apparently this White house's substitute for the more familiar term" Intern".

In his wildest imagination Putin never thought it would fall into his lap like this.