This is one of the few accurate assessments of Putin's character that I've read. He has a bad tendency toward nostalgia and sentimentality. As a leader, he has accomplished some things in improving Russia's condition since the fall of the USSR. But he's generally overrated by his followers. He doesn't really have it in him to confront the Western leaders and his actions throughout his career have amounted to half-measures at best. The West has always been able to lead him. I don't think Xi has it in him to be a counter-balance to the West either, though I have less insight into his character.