The Russian tactic for the most part is to say true but irritating things; things that when released at certain times seem like an attack by Russia even though the 'attack' is in the form of true statements. I've seen this from Putin himself so many times that it's funny. The typical response is the kneejerk "we have to oppose this" response, whether that be in the form of denial, a counter-smear against Russia, calling it "propaganda" or other forms of disinformation. Basically Russia knows that the West is weak when it comes to admitting weakness (like many other countries) and will resort to fabrication to cover it up. China does the same thing all the time, but we expect it from them. Thus Russia is able in one swing to tell a painful truth and coax American into telling a lie, both of which serve to undermine America. And these politicians are so stupid and petty that they fall for it every time. Actually it's worse than that, because many are actively looking for excuses to levy sanctions to prevent Russia from competing in the oil market and to rattle sabers so that NATO can continue to be receive funding for bases and missiles on the Russian border.
To me the real question is who's playing whom. It seems that both Russia and the U.S. are satisfied to have a certain level of hostilities open at all times, maybe to each own's benefit. But if one side unilaterally ceased this behavior the tensions would evaporate, I think. I doubt Russia will stop taunting the U.S., and so it would be up to career politicians with skin in the game of profiting from hostile relations with Russia to make themselves stop it. So yeah, I don't know if that's going to happen. It would take a strong President to unilaterally tell the children it's enough, and to sit down with Russia and try to improve relations through serious measures. It can be done, but only if at least one side is willing to try.
