The widespread perception that there's no room for dialogue with Russia would be one of the downsides that you have asked about. If you decide to openly endorse its foreign policy, don't complain that you get treated accordingly, as well.

> fruit of my spleen

Google returns zero results for this phrase (when quoted). Congratulations.

I like it.

To vent one's spleen means to express angry feelings, from Hippocrates' theories about the "humors".