Nah, it's actually hurting Russia more than anyone. They are gonna be completely dependent upon China now. That puts them in a compromising position. Yes, China is our competitive rival on a world stage. But they are Russia's regional rival...even though they have a good relationship. The fact that China came out and explicitly said yesterday that Russia is not our ally should tell you everything you need to know. Even if they increase trade with China, it simply can't compete with what the West offers. If that were the case, China would have done dropped Europe/US in favor of trade of Russia. They will also increase trade with Iran, North Korea, Syria and few of the rogue states; but lets be serious...that's not going to help much.
As far as France still talking to Russia, I'm kinda baffled. Macron has been embarrassed by Putin twice. Who purposely lied to him twice. Putin's diplomatic reputation is ruined and none of these other states are going to talk to him anymore. After seeing how he done Macron, no one else is willing to risk that embarrassment. Dont forget either that China stood with Russia in favor of the Minsk agreements just a day before Russia pretty much ripped them up in front of the world. That left a sour taste in China's mouth.
The west (other than Macron) will never communicate with putin again, it will take someone else representing the government. But so far it looks like Russia has chose to bleed itself out in Ukraine first.
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