There are comments to articles in newspapers, where people say things like 'Putin for chancellor'. There are very critical voices of Russia, but I have the impression there is not a strict editorial line on this thing, e.g. on spiegel.
In general among young people the US under George Bush is much less popular than Russia, especially in east Germany, but as well in west Germany. Eastern Germany seems to be very different with respect to the common opinion about Russia, compared with e.g. Poland, the Balticum, Tzchech, Ukraine, ...
As Russia isn't a boogeyman here for much of the population, there is no benefit in riding it for the press.

Der Amerikaner ist die Orchidee unter den Menschen
Volker Pispers