Probably, but on the other hand cutting immigration is basically economic suicide for a first world country, so it would fit with his goal of weakening the United States. The ensuing recession would also provide ample opportunity to manipulate the right (and the center, which as is customary will "reluctantly" do whatever the right says).

[–] kryptonianCodeMonkey@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Sure, but that also requires Putin to know, acknowledge and buy into the fact that immigration is in itself an economic boon, and a lack of it is stagnating. I don't know a ton about his personal politics, but it seems like he is as much a right wing ideologue as he is a manipulator of others on the right (takes one to know one?). I'm not sure he would take that viewpoint, so I dont know that he would ever take such an approach intentionally.