More countries are openly flaunting their ties with Putin. They say it's just business.

"Putin is eyeing strategic swing nations like India, which opposes China and trades with Russia. That gives Russia some advantage over China, as their relationship has chilled somewhat."

"This supply is critical to ensure our existence and that of our people," a Mongolian government spokesperson told Politico.

Russia is trying to emerge from diplomatic isolation and is looking to forge strategic relationships beyond autocratic partners like China, North Korea, and Iran."

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