Putin Hosts ASEAN Leaders Amid Rising G7 Pressure Over Ukraine

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Southeast Asian leaders on Tuesday as Moscow looks to strengthen ties with Asian partners against growing G7 criticism over the Ukraine conflict.

The meeting with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comes as G7 nations explore further steps to put more pressure on Russia, such as possible penalties and continued support for Ukraine.

Russia tried to strengthen commercial and diplomatic ties with Asian countries since the Ukraine war began, as Western sanctions have isolated Moscow from Europe and North America.

Many ASEAN countries maintained their ties to both Russia and Western powers by keeping neutral in the conflict. The meeting emphasises Moscow's efforts to boost its power in Asia in the face of a changing geopolitical environment.

With Russia seeking new alliances in the East and Western partners coordinating efforts to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine, simultaneous developments reflect growing global divides.