Summary
Putin’s actions after Trump’s election, including a delayed congratulations and a denial of a phone call, suggest a lack of respect for Trump’s personal relationship with him.
Russia’s intelligence chief’s statement that Trump owes them favors for their support in his election, along with hints that he is expected to “pay back” certain obligations, amounts to a bold threat of blackmail.
Trump’s foreign policy, which favors a realignment with Russia, may be challenged by Putin’s actions and the revelation of Russian interference in the election.
I don’t think Trump is capable of admiration, and I also don’t think it’s dirt keeping him in check.
It might simply be that Trump is that stupid. The parallels between descriptions of Trump and Hitler are striking as well.
If Trump doesn’t respond to the international humiliation it will be intentional, otherwise if he got his way with the Unitary Executive Power, then he’d just glass Russia and be free from that chain (while probably getting lots of us killed).
The only thing we know for certain is Russian propaganda is rarely intended for Western audiences.