From the global perspective, we can see how many nations remain neutral on the subject, most countries have chosen to go against Russia. However, three nations have taken Russia's side in support. It is almost a capitalist vs communist situation on a global scale.
Supporting Russia
Most of the countries supporting Russia are ones with similar political systems or ideas. There are only three. China, Syria, and Venezuela. These countries have shared common ideologies and political systems with Russia and each other.
However, China's stance is unsure on this topic. On March 2nd, Qing Gang, the spokes person for China's Foreign Ministry said:
"It is China's long-standing position not to interfere in others' internal affairs. We respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
So it seems like China might be out of the picture, leaving Russia with Syria and Venezuela.
However, China's stance is unsure on this topic. On March 2nd, Qing Gang, the spokes person for China's Foreign Ministry said:
"It is China's long-standing position not to interfere in others' internal affairs. We respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
So it seems like China might be out of the picture, leaving Russia with Syria and Venezuela.
Another force backing Russia though, is surprisingly BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). They are backing Russia because they believe that the Western nations are forcibly creating a hostile environment surrounding the situation. Also, it is suspected that the situation is occurring because these countries have been often against the decisions of the Western world.
Against Russia
Contrary to the above nations, the ones against Russia are ones that have bad histories with Russia, do not agree with their ideas, or are closely tied to other nations against Russia. These include the EU, USA, Canada, Croatia, Finland, Latvia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and more. The G7 countries of The United States of America, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, italy, and Japan have cancelled the Sochi summit meeting that would have happened this year, and have threatened to have Russia kicked out of the G8.
Even long time allies such as Belarus have decided not to back Russia. The president of Belarus said:
“We have a singular view of Ukraine. It should be integral, nobody should divide this great country.”
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan also expressed concerns about Russia, saying that it looked like an attempt for Russia to destabilize Ukraine. Kazakhstan mentioned that they, like many other countries, would not support Russia because of unpredictable consequences. Foreign Minister of Brazil has stated that they wish to "respect the democratic values and will of the Ukrainians" even though they are a member of BRICS.
“We have a singular view of Ukraine. It should be integral, nobody should divide this great country.”
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan also expressed concerns about Russia, saying that it looked like an attempt for Russia to destabilize Ukraine. Kazakhstan mentioned that they, like many other countries, would not support Russia because of unpredictable consequences. Foreign Minister of Brazil has stated that they wish to "respect the democratic values and will of the Ukrainians" even though they are a member of BRICS.
Complications
Things get complicated if we look at countries such as Germany. Germany's economy lies heavily on exports, and by this chart, we can see that the Russian Federation is a large contributor to their economy. To hurt Russia would be a dysfunction to their own society and economy, and as a result, Germany must tread carefully on their position against Russia.
Also, although there has been a sanction put against Russia, it may not work. Russia has little debt to other countries,
Not to mention, countries like India lie on the fence. After the India/America spat, India has been reluctant to support anything on the same side as the US. They have put themselves against all sanctions towards Russia, but are not wholeheartedly agreeing with what Russia is doing. This really shows us the social darwinism in the situation. Russia's strength in itself is keeping it afloat despite all the other countries.
Not to mention, countries like India lie on the fence. After the India/America spat, India has been reluctant to support anything on the same side as the US. They have put themselves against all sanctions towards Russia, but are not wholeheartedly agreeing with what Russia is doing. This really shows us the social darwinism in the situation. Russia's strength in itself is keeping it afloat despite all the other countries.