Helping to get Trump elected, whether he knowingly enlisted their support or not, was a chess move, bringing them one step closer to their goal. Oddly enough, it was the Right-wingers who warned, "Beware the Russian Bear", after the U.S.S.R. was dissolved. Now they're giving Russia exactly what it wants by falling into line in support of the Trump regime.
I guess you don't remember Obama mocking Romney in 2012 for saying Russia was a threat. Or Obama caught on an open mic telling a Russian diplomat that he'd be more flexible regarding nuclear arms after he was re-elected.
You didn't read the articles that said these Russian operatives promoted Bernie, Jill and Hillary. They staged pro-Trump AND anti-Trump rallies in NYC on the SAME day! They created 'Resist' movements. The REAL purpose was to sow chaos, confusion and distrust in our election process. They succeeded. The Dems are what the Communists call "useful idiots."
Trump made Putin nervous because he was an unknown quantity. Putin had dealt with Hillary and knew how to push her buttons -- but not her red plastic Reset button!
I think the Russians are pranksters compared to the Chinese who are a very real, very big threat. Their plan is to have bases all over the world, like the US does. Russia has a much smaller economy by comparison. The Loony Leftists have made it very difficult for Trump to make Russia our ally against the Chinese. What might happen is Russia and China will gang up on us.