In one respect, I agree with RR.
The Russians have a next door neighbor with whom they have close relationships and financial and commercial ties.
Things get a bit messy over there, the Russians are going to act in such a way as to protect their interests and ensure that their neighbor does not become a problem, or a bigger problem, for them.
Nations look out for their self interests.
However, style counts.
The criticism that Putin's style draws is not unwarranted. (And to avoid the charges of chauvinism, to my view the style used by our leaders in Washington frequently leaves a bit to be desired ... )