It not a secret that Eurovision is a highly political event, where the quality of the song does not play any role. The fact that Germany did not give a single point to Russia, despite a dedicated and large Russian-speaking community, and general Russian-friendly public is telling.
If not for politics, the songs from which countries would have you selected?
I would have chosen:
1. Russia (wonderful voices, song text and strong performance)
2. Belgium (didn't make the finals, very good words and professional voice)
3. Austria (not for the beard, the voice is good
)