Putin Pushes Nuclear Deals as Russia Courts ASEAN in Kazan

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Southeast Asian leaders to expand cooperation in energy, food security, and nuclear technology at a forum in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan. The meeting, part of a push for deeper economic ties between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), focused on reducing trade barriers and boosting investment. Putin highlighted Russia’s potential as a reliable supplier of grain and fertilizer, while offering civilian nuclear expertise to ASEAN members seeking clean energy. The forum comes as Moscow seeks to strengthen alliances in Asia amid Western sanctions. No new trade agreements were signed, but both sides agreed to continue talks on joint projects.