Russian official visits Indonesia and Malaysia to talk defence, Russian agencies report
Sergei Shoigu's visit marks a shift in Russia's geopolitical priorities towards Asia, as the country seeks to counterbalance Western influence. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has emphasized that the West had tried to use Ukraine to inflict strategic defeat on Russia but had failed. The trip aims to strengthen bilateral relations with Indonesia and Malaysia through cooperation on security and defence issues.
- This visit highlights the growing importance of Southeast Asia in Russia's foreign policy, as it seeks to expand its influence in the region beyond traditional ties with China.
- Will Russia's renewed focus on regional partnerships lead to a significant shift in the global balance of power, or will it be seen as a strategic distraction from its conflict with Ukraine?