The Post-Soviet states have strong alliances. They share many of the same concerns. Russia is deathly afraid of Ukraine because of it returning missile capacity. The first missiles Ukraine tested after years of dormant interest as it's national military was disarmed, proved to be successful. Ukraine can sell it's missile technology to other Post-Soviet states that will understand it's mechanisms. All these folks once lived under the same oppressive regimes, they know Ukraine technology.
HAVING THE POST-SOVIET STATES USE FAMILIAR TECHNOLOGY WILL FACILITATE A FASTER BUILD UP. The downside is that Russia knows this technology as well, so it has to be replaced with NATO munitions over time.
NATO needs to stand with them while accepting refugees should Russia become really stupid about the future.
To be noted is the trade relationships China has with South America and Africa. It is benevolent, however, if there is also military sales to these countries from China there also could be authority between them to act as allies.
This is 2019 and Trump is the dummy in the Oval Office, don't take anything for granted.
