President Putin’s Diplomatic Moves: From North Korea to Vietnam

President Vladimir Putin of Russia made a significant visit to Vietnam, following his meeting with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, in Pyongyang. The visit, although not yielding major breakthroughs, provided Russia with a semblance of international recognition amidst its increasing isolation due to the Ukraine invasion.

During his time in Vietnam, Putin and Vietnamese leaders delicately navigated their relationship. Despite their shared communist past and Moscow’s historical role as Vietnam’s primary arms supplier, recent developments have seen Hanoi forging closer ties with the U.S. Prior to the visit, U.S. officials criticized Vietnam for providing a platform for Putin to promote his actions in Ukraine, calling for a stance against his aggressive policies.

Key Takeaways from Putin’s Visit to Vietnam:

• Implications of North Korea Treaty: The defense pact signed between Russia and North Korea has raised concerns in South Korea and Japan, both anticipating heightened security threats from Pyongyang. This development also poses challenges for Beijing, as it escalates the risk of regional confrontations and could lead to increased military presence by the U.S. and its allies near China’s borders.

Photo Credit:

Credit: Minh Hoang/Associated Press

Credit: Avishag Shaar-Yashuv for The New York Times