The belief in Russian diplomatic circles is that America remains a key global power even in its position at the other side of the Western world. While Russians think hard about their own progress, and note that most of human endeavour comes through difficulty, they also look to the success of others.
In meeting Trump, Putin showed that this truly is a belief and that it underpins its objective view of how things need to be done. Even if the fight is against Ukraine, it ends at the doors of the White House.
It may seem contradictory to some, but Russia regularly belittles its own neighbours. It can suffer having called America a great nation if it means others in Europe look lesser or the worse for it.
The point is not going to be that Russia and America are best friends. Again, Russia is proud of its own progress and in this lies a hint as to its real worldview. The end of the war with Ukraine is looked at hopefully as being about peace. But this isn’t guaranteed. It needs a strong partner to make it happen.