Putin hosts ASEAN leaders amid G7 pressure on Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a significant diplomatic move amid mounting pressure from the G7 over the ongoing Ukraine war. With key regional leaders from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines in attendance, the meeting underscores Russia's efforts to expand its diplomatic ties outside the West. This comes as the G7 continues to push for sanctions and support for Ukraine, highlighting the geopolitical tensions and Russia's attempts to counterbalance Western influence. The event signals a strategic pivot by Putin to seek support from non-Western blocs amidst global conflict dynamics.