Putin seeks closer ties with ASEAN amid diplomatic isolation

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is scheduled to visit Kazan, Russia, from June 17 to June 19 for the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit. This trip represents the first high-level engagement between the two nations since Singapore implemented sanctions against Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. The summit, marking 35 years of dialogue relations between Russia and ASEAN, aims to address energy challenges in Southeast Asia and alleviate Russia's diplomatic isolation. However, the attendance of several ASEAN leaders, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., remains uncertain. Singapore has consistently condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and was the only ASEAN member to impose sanctions, leading Russia to designate Singapore as an "unfriendly country."