Russia is only isolated from the west (e.g. exports to India are booming) and its internal economy is growing faster than Europe's.

Russia holds leverage over China because China is incredibly resource dependent and very susceptible to the threat of blockade through the first island chain by the US. Only Russia can bypass such a blockade with fertilizer, grain, oil and gas.

The US is driving these countries into each other's arms.

Russia holds leverage over China is probably the funniest statement I've read on HN in a long time ...