A interesting article of a vast topic. I found this to be most concerning:
"Mr. Fillon was, until recently, regarded as the best hope to defeat Marine Le Pen, the extreme-right candidate who is politically and financially backed by, and is highly supportive of, Mr. Putin."
Putin has access to tap into the profit generated by Russia's vast wealth. He has utilized enormous funds to buy the influence of western political leaders. In doing so, he has become the wealthiest person in the world has made the politicians he influences rich as well. He has been doing this for years as it is a long term strategy. The most recent story that seems to be dying out was his interference in the American political campaign. He is going after the Ukraine to solidify an age old Russian problem of its' border on the Black Sea. He and Trump want to end the problem of jihadist extremism.
To add, the European refugee crisis of 2015 contributed to these political conditions favourable to Putin and his money.