I think he was, I still think the Steel dossier was correct, that Putin has something on Trump, that he cannot allow to be revealed.
Since we know Epstein worked for Russia, the most obvious suspicion is that Putin has tapes with Trump being “together” with minors.
Trump has most certainly been acting that way for many years now. Including his entire first term presidency, and also the past year withdrawing all aid from Ukraine. Clearly against traditional American interests, and interests of many USA allies.