The Bottom Line Upfront

Russia's President Vladimir Putin is reportedly planning to make a state visit to Vietnam, his first since 2017. The visit is expected to take place after his inauguration for his fifth term as president and may coincide with his trip to China.

The Breakdown

  • Putin's visit to Vietnam would signal his government's commitment to its "Turn to the East" policy and highlight the failure of the West to isolate Russia. It would also demonstrate Vietnam's approach to maintaining close relationships with powerful nations.
  • Putin has accepted an invitation from Vietnam's Communist Party to visit the country shortly.
  • The visit could take place next week, potentially on the way to or from Putin's trip to China.
  • Putin's visit to Vietnam would come two years after Russia invaded Ukraine, underscoring the lack of international consensus on the Russia-Ukraine war.
  • Vietnam's omnidirectional foreign policy aims to maintain close relationships with powerful nations, and hosting Putin would align with this approach.