Could Trump's ego be so malignant as to grovel at Putin's oligarchic feet?
I do not think so.
I believe he may have Putin envy as to his methods of dealing with his critics by murder.
When mob boss Trump finally makes his bones by killing an opponent, he will finally feel he is an equal among dictators. It will have to be obvious but with impunity. Like all serial killers, it won't stop with just one.

In the meantime, allowing any fraud, white collar crime, and tax cheating to be virtually legal will be his crowning achievement.

To respect law and hold honor above all is just boy scout delusions to Trump.