Regardless of which way Russia turns they will lose. Trying to pacify an 800 lb gorilla living next door is fruitless. They are in a hopeless position.
There is a lot of speculation as to what the Chinese will do with all of the US Treasury bills, etc., that they have invested in. I've been wondering if they might not take a page from the US war with Mexico and seize Siberia, then pay off the Russians for what they took.