Summary
Putin’s actions after Trump’s election, including a delayed congratulations and a denial of a phone call, suggest a lack of respect for Trump’s personal relationship with him.
Russia’s intelligence chief’s statement that Trump owes them favors for their support in his election, along with hints that he is expected to “pay back” certain obligations, amounts to a bold threat of blackmail.
Trump’s foreign policy, which favors a realignment with Russia, may be challenged by Putin’s actions and the revelation of Russian interference in the election.
It’s likely a bit of both. Trump has no issue not paying his debts and several entities that have done business with him have gone under because of that.
Russia has to have something on him for him to consider not blowing them off. It’s likely it could be as simple as him considering them a formidable enemy. They could cause problems for him and his family, potentially the foreign assets of his company, etc. They’re not a small bank or drywall company to be messed with.