That's about it...but same could really be said about our politicians and most International Leaders. They are not to be trusted....I listen to both sides then you at least get understanding of where they're coming from and can ake your own determination.
The thing about Putin is he does warn the US when they're pushing too far.....so their decisions are not made because they aren't aware or in the dark, rather they often lie to the public to cover themselves from public scrutiny.
Putin's a nationalist...he will make whatever decisions he thinks he needs to in that vein, and ore importantly he will not show his hand before he moves against those he sees as a threat......Crimea is a good example....he'll cover his turf one way or the other.
So basically he is everything that obama is not. Not saying he’s a good man. Dont know if Churchill was a good man in the plainest sense of the word, but he kept Britain together until the Americans entered.