Putin's aim was to disrupt and weaken the USA by destabilizing its political system. They got lucky and actually pushed Trump over the line. So they waited (in vain) for a bunch of treats. Putin hoped that the RepubliCons would know how to govern better than events have shown and that they would enable tRump to make the US friendly to Russia. But he also knew that there was a better than even chance tRump would not change and would be a disruptive force all on his own.
Now that it is clear treats are not forthcoming, the destabilization strategy continues, but now Trump and Republicons will "have their time in the barrel".
Expect some odd leaks from odd directions. Expect the pee tape (assuming it exists) or other kompromat to be released. Putin may sacrifice a minor oligarch to prove money laundering against tRump. Depending on what exactly happened during the 2016 election, he may one by one sink Trump, then Pence, then McCONnell, though not necessarily in that order. If he judges the Republicon Congressional leadership strong, he may interfere and try to give Democrats a boost in 2018. Alternatively he may interfere and try to tilt (or even jigger) the vote to make the result as much of a deadlock as possible in the House and Senate.
The purpose of the destabilization is to give Putin a freer hand in Europe and the Middle East. He may push and shove in the Ukraine and possibly in the Baltic. He may make more overtures to China. He will continue to support Assad. He may dance with Iran. He may veto some US efforts in the UN.
Be strong. The United States of America will get through this crisis, scarred, but intact and still strong. There is a good chance that Putin won't get much in the end.
There is an even better chance that the Republicon brand will be damaged for decades.
Odds are good that the US will ultimately emerge recognizing itself as having the progressive, mildly liberal majority that it actually has.
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