Russia is the fallback for many countries facing sanctions. Who does Russia turn to that wasn't taken off guard by the invasion and the swiftness and unity of E

Russia is the fallback for many countries facing sanctions. Who does Russia turn to that wasn't taken off guard by the invasion and the swiftness and unity of Europe's response? China might have helped in another limited land grab like Crimea. Putin recognizing independent states doesn't align with the desire to reintegrate its own breakaway states into China, so they might not want to help.