Vladimir de Gaulle?
Although Western expectations that Russia would join the United States and Europe in a strategic and economic partnership have proven false, Vladimir Putin's effort to restore Russia's empire in the post-Soviet states will likewise fail. The most persuasive analogy for today's Russia may be France, which has long played the role of "awkward partner" in the Anglo-American club.
https://prosyn.org/Zmvms1W
MOSCOW -- The greatest disappointment of the postcommunist era has been the failure of the West – particularly Europe – to build a successful relationship with Russia. Most policymakers and experts expected that, after an inevitably troublesome period of transition, Russia would join the United States and Europe in a strategic and economic partnership, based on shared interests and values. The pace of change might be doubtful, but not its direction. Vladimir Putin’s massive electoral triumph in this week’s Duma elections has put the lie to that notion.