Western reactions to his partial mobilization cannot have surprised Putin.
But the rhetorical withdrawal movement from Beijing is likely to be painful for him.
The fact that the spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry calls not only for a ceasefire, but also for a quick solution that takes into account the "legitimate security concerns of all parties" shows that China is losing patience with Putin.
Even at his most recent meeting with Xi Jinping, it was no longer possible to gloss over the differences that are opening up in the Russo-Chinese alliance as a result of the ever longer and more consequential war.
The Indian prime minister has also let Putin know publicly that he believes the war was a mistake.
Dependent on China and India
The setbacks on the diplomatic front are more manageable for Putin than those on the military front in Ukraine.
Nonetheless, they will not be taken lightly in the Kremlin.
When the EU oil embargo goes into full effect next year, China and India will be paramount to the Russian economy.
Russia is also dependent on the two countries in the long term, because the West will not be a business partner for the time being.
The war will not be decided in Beijing or Delhi, but developments show that Putin is missing something Ukraine could count on, despite some discussions in recent months: reliable allies.