DU-pipo really fantasize that Putin perceived OhBummer! as strong? After Putin's consequence-free 2009 invasion of Georgia (in which part of Georgia was left under the control of Russia's proxy)? And Putin's consequence-free 2014 invasion and occupation of Crimean Peninsula?
As for weak Presidents, which President curtailed LNG exports, making EuroLand be more dependent on Russian natural gas? Which President did Putin in 2022 believe (partially incorrectly, since LIEden did respond, though piecemeal instead of decisively) weak and indecisive enough to try to conquer all of Ukraine?