Does Putin actually live up to those words?

Compared to his predecessors, yes. ...Though that's not a high bar.

It is worth saying, though, that whatever his true agenda, he is atleast not actively destroying the culture of the people he rules.

In a century, Russians will still still know who they are.

Americans and Europeans are already unsure. In a century, we won't have a clue. We'll be completely deracinated.