Offering Energy Options to Avoid Isolation: Putin Extends Invitation to ASEAN Leaders to Deepen Ties

(CNA, Kazan, 17th - comprehensive international report) Russian President Vladimir Putin chaired the Russia-ASEAN leaders' summit in Kazan today, aiming to deepen political and economic ties with Asia, while simultaneously showcasing Moscow's non-isolation in global diplomacy as the Western G7 summit focuses on ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to AFP, as Western nations intensify pressure on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine, Putin hosted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in Kazan to actively strengthen Moscow's political and economic connections with Asia.

This summit in Kazan coincides closely in timing with the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in France, where the central focus is on ending the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Representatives from all 11 ASEAN member states have already arrived in Kazan, with the main agenda scheduled for tomorrow. The Kremlin stated that this summit marks the 35th anniversary of cooperation between Russia and ASEAN countries.

The Prime Ministers of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore are attending, while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is representing his country. Russia said leaders will exchange views on "global and regional issues" and deepen relations in areas such as "security, trade, investment, and people-to-people cooperation."

Facing severe Western sanctions due to the war in Ukraine, Russia has shifted the focus of its oil exports toward Asia. Today, Putin met with Marcos Jr., who invited him to visit the Philippines in November. Marcos expressed a desire to deepen energy cooperation with Moscow.

Kirill Dmitriev, economic and international affairs advisor to the Russian president, stated, "Only Russia has the capability to solve" Asia's energy problems.

Dmitriev added, "All ASEAN countries have realized that sanctions are ineffective, especially when the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran caused severe energy supply disruptions, which they have deeply felt."

Russia has been operating under a wartime economy for four years and is currently facing pressures from high inflation, labor shortages, and high borrowing costs.

The Russian military's advance on the Ukrainian front has noticeably slowed this year, while Ukraine continues to expand its strike capabilities into Russian territory.

At the G7 summit in France, U.S. President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and stated that Moscow should "reach an agreement" to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump also said the war with Iran has ended, and with the Strait of Hormuz now open, the United States is about to regain its ability to impose sanctions on Russian oil.

Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, turning the conflict into the deadliest armed confrontation in Europe since World War II. (Translation: Chu Hsiang-ping) 1150618

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