I only know what he says, like "I have a completely normal and professional dialogue with him, and of course he listens." This is from the same interview in which he said we are no longer a superpower.
He likes Trump, because he is weak. Strong people act. Weak people talk. If you wonder why he targeted Trump, you need to read about how intellifence services work. Start with "The Invisible Government." It is a few years old, but still relevant. Putin recruited Trump as an asset, using the formula in Spycraft 101.
Russia is not a socialist government anymore. You need to get out of "None Dare Call It Treason," mode. Putin is leveraging his position by currying favor with others who have access to power. Trump is his prize catch.