The West always had a soft spot for Russians (due to white nationalism) as show by their recent overtures to get Russia on their side. When's the last time the media even focused about Crimea? The focus is on China for now.
In my opinion, I think this is an inaccurate observation of the US attempt to court Russia to their side. This is simply a repeat of the US mission to get China to their side against the Soviet Union during 1972, except this time China and Russia's roles have been reversed.
Crimea may not be in the headlines but Russia is, and in a very negative light. Where is the West's soft spot for Russia when Russia is under a constant barrage of accusations from election meddling to poisoning of dissidents to getting banned from the Olympics and many more?
The US wants to play China and Russia against each other, both countries shouldn't fall for this trickery.
Death of Putin and his like minded friends will be very dangerous for China. There was a Pew poll showing that most Russian youth prefer a Russia-US relationship over Russia-China relationship.
Pew Research Center isn't exactly a reliable source that people can trust. This is perhaps another ploy by the West to drive a wedge between China and Russia. Last October Pew Research published a propaganda piece claiming that unfavorable views of China have reached historic highs in many countries. Should we believe this piece of propaganda?
I do not wish to make an impression that I am being antagonistic to your views, I just feel the need to express my points about this matter so I hope you wouldn't interpret my response as a form of hostility to your opinion.