Because Russia is easier to be manipulated. Their oligarchs have accounts in US (or in US influenced countries) or US could force sanctions upon Russia (without

Because Russia is easier to be manipulated. Their oligarchs have accounts in US (or in US influenced countries) or US could force sanctions upon Russia (without much fuss). Putin is in a pickle - he doesn't want to appear weak before the US in eyes of his people, but he doesn't want to piss off US because above mentioned things.