Perhaps Mr Putin has realized how vulnerable he is to such attacks. Russia is not one culture. It is many cultures with rivalries and histories of animosity. It may not be widely realized, but Russians make heavy use of western social media. A well organized social media attack could inflame hatred and encourage demands for self rule. Sustained over several years it could cause widespread civil strife and threaten the Moscow government.
Thats sounds like a good step in the right direction! The CCP is a much greater threat to the West than Russia. If the US can set aside its differences with Moscow this could present a good opportunity for mutual benefit.