And it is Putin who has put himself and his country in the position where the only choice he has is between being a vassal state of China or a client state of the West.

Source: https://lithuaniatribune.com/prof-lindley-french-we-have-to-engage-russians-on-currency-of-power/

There could be no starker reminder that is still an EU vassal state despite the claims of the prime minister that NI is a full member of the UK and the border in the Irish Sea has been eradicated.

Source: https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/opinion/columnists/sammy-wilson-to-maintain-the-integrity-of-the-uk-and-restore-stormont-the-unworkable-windsor-framework-must-be-replaced-4346551

Where Russia is trying to make Ukraine into a vassal state.

Source: https://japantoday.com/category/world/ukraine-%27fast-track%27-talks-underway-for-missiles-planes