Opinion exists that Trump acts like does, towards putin, in hopes to make him his aide against China. If so, Trump is beyond naive. russia will not go against China. At first it may pretend, to play along with Trump*, but later, together with China, russia will destroy the west, the global order. Because it's the ultimate russia's and China's goal.
*and when russia will pretend that it agrees to join his crusade against China, putin will demand something in return. Eastern Europe, here we go. And Trump will agree to that without a blink.
Edit: So, as long as Ukraine is undefeated, as long as it resists, putin's hands are tied. Ukraine is buying time for Europe. Ukrainians are literally fighting for Europe and a world based on democratic values.