He is the last surviving astronaut of the first group. He was very close friends with Gagarin. My impression is that he is in a way trying to speak for them, holding their memories in trust.
I have been reading a lot astronaut bios and memoirs over the last few months, and I see all of these guys as very similar in their pov and drive. The most unvarnished look was from 'The All American Boys'. The least, unfortunately, was the Shepard/Slaytom story.
Leonov is certainly candid n many things, but is clearly one who believes in his agenda. But then, so is Scott.
Both have accomplished a great deal more than any of us here are likely to accomplish, so I think a certain amount of slack is called for.
Ed