I think he’s saying it’s whataboutery because he thinks you’re using it to deflect from Russian sympathies from other left leaning figures more to your worldview (not saying you are like this here).
Personally, I don’t find this to be damning of Blair. This was 2001 when Putin was more unknown, his problems not yet as evident, so I don’t blame him so much in trying to cause some reconciliation between nations at the time. The issue is among those who have continued to apologise and excuse after Putin’s intransigent hostility became more evident.
I find more to blame in Blair for his palling with corrupt and authoritarian regimes since PM (e.g. Egypt) than this for similar reasons. These countries have exposed their inadequacy now and he has no problem with it.
