Russia: weekly report (17.06-23.06)

1. Vladimir Putin’s visit to Yakutsk

On Tuesday, June 18, Vladimir Putin arrived on a working visit to Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). During the one-day visit, the Russian president held a number of meetings and participated in public events prepared for his visit. 

In particular, Putin visited the creative cluster “Labor Quarter”, where he inspected an exhibition of creative and IT industries. He also familiarized himself with the process of training in the Far East of snipers and operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), who take part in the so-called “SWO”. It is noted that Putin was shown various models of UAVs, FPV drones, unmanned aerial systems, as well as elements of uniforms, which are produced at enterprises of the Far Eastern Federal District.

The Russian president also held a meeting with young specialists working in the Far East, during which the problems of the region were discussed, as well as new prospects that are being formed under the presidential program. 

Key theses from Putin’s communication with young specialists:

• Putin: “I would like to note something that is so pleasant for me and for everyone, both for the country and for you: there has been a recent migration inflow of young people to this region. And this, in general, is pleasant, it reflects the result of our joint efforts to develop the Far Eastern regions.

• Putin: “Even today, the Far East region is already demonstrating very good growth rates. Whatever you look at, whatever indicator you take, it is many times better than the national average.

• Putin: “We have not forgotten about the bridge to Sakhalin. This is a separate work, a big, capital-intensive one, but nevertheless it has not been forgotten or thrown away. We need to develop energy capacities here. We need to develop personnel training and education here.

• Putin: “But today, given the shortage of energy and generating capacities, of course, it is simply impossible to put them on the market. For example, in 2022, we were planning to increase tariffs in line with inflation, but the target inflation rate was four percent, but it turned out to be much higher – 12 percent, I think. Accordingly, tariffs in the Far East increased twice as much as the national average: there by 11 percent, and here by 23 percent, I think. Therefore, it is impossible to just give them to the market. But the Government understands this and plans to smoothly introduce new generating capacities into the market as they are created. This is the first thing.

• Putin: “In the Far East as a whole, of course, all of our plans to develop transportation infrastructure must be implemented. This includes the Eastern range of railroads, the Baikal-Amur Mainline, and the Trans-Siberian Railway. We have a lot of plans there, and they are large and ambitious.

• Putin: “There is another direction to create a comfortable environment for people living in small settlements, and that is the development of high-speed Internet. We also need to develop satellite constellation, which we will do and are doing. By the way, I will say somewhere in the near future that we have good developments and successes in this area. So we have good prospects here.

• Putin: “You know, when I first came to Yakutia, I was surprised by the pronounced talents of the Yakut people. Frankly speaking, I opened my mouth, I did not even expect such depth and such interest in the development of their culture. You have such a singing people, really, and everything is done with such tact, with such pleasure and such depth”.

After communicating with young professionals of the region, Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with the Head of the Sakha Republic, Aysen Nikolayev. The parties discussed the current state of affairs in the region, as well as key problems requiring priority attention. 

Key Abstracts:

• Nikolayev: “We believe that our good energy, and we are just now in the period of the Ysyakh holiday, the Yakut holiday of blessing, solstice, it has helped you and is helping you, will help you in your difficult, very important work for the good of our country”.

• Nikolaev: “As I reported to you by videoconference in March, we were already doing well in terms of development in the first quarter. Now I can report: by the end of five months, we have industrial growth of 9.7 percent compared to last year. GRP is somewhere around 5.6 percent growth. We are showing very good results by all indicators.

• Nikolayev: “On the whole, our investment attractiveness is also growing. Last year we set a record for the Far East – 739 billion was invested, and now I would like to say that according to the results of the first quarter, investments grew by 4.5 percent in comparable prices, that is, despite all the difficulties, Yakutia is developing”.

• Nikolaev: “All this has led to the fact that our budget for last year was executed confidently: 269 billion rubles – the consolidated budget of the republic, tax and non-tax revenues. This is absolutely the best indicator for all time: 19th place in the country and first in the Far East”.

• Nikolayev: “We are, of course, fighting poverty. Vladimir Vladimirovich, I signed my first decree after assuming the office of the head of the republic for the second time on fighting poverty, because I believe that in such a rich and developing republic as Yakutia, there should be no poor people. We have made a large program for the next five years. I believe that we should bring about 70,000 people out of the poverty zone, i.e. reduce poverty in our republic by half, and by three times among large families.

• Nikolayev: “You were told about the precision firing range today, but they didn’t tell you the main thing. The night shooting was won by your security service, and the daytime shooting was won by the Yakutians.

• Nikolayev: “Novolenskaya TPP is a TPP being built by Inter RAO. It is designed just for Eastern Siberia and the Eastern Landfill, it will go from there. It is being built near the town of Lensk. Boris Yuryevich Kovalchuk and I have already agreed, everything has been laid down. All the decisions have been made, construction is already underway. In 2028, God willing, everything will be realized.

Also, after holding meetings with the regional leadership, Vladimir Putin visited the Higher School of Music in Yakutsk. During the visit, the Russian president listened to a concert performed by students and teachers of the Higher School of Music and then talked to them. It is noted that before visiting GSOM Putin toured the city stadium “Tuimaada”, where the sports games “Children of Asia” will start next week.

Totals/Predictions: 

Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Republic of Sakha was more technical – it was a stopover on his way to the DPRK, which was decided to be filled with apparatus content. However, it is worth noting that lately the political elite of Yakutia has begun a gradual drift between the decision-making centers: if earlier the head of Yakutia Aysen Nikolaev was considered a protégé of the former head of the presidential administration Sergei Ivanov, now he is beginning to gradually fit into Kovalchuk’s team. Accordingly, the entire region is gradually coming under the control of Kovalchuk and Kirienko. Most likely, Putin’s visit to Yakutia was devoted to this hardware process.

2. Vladimir Putin’s visit to the DPRK

On Tuesday, June 18, Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea on a friendly state visit that lasted two days. The visit took place at the invitation of Kim Jong-un, Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who personally met the Russian president at Pyongyang airport.

According to tradition, on the eve of his visit, Vladimir Putin published an article in the leading DPRK newspaper Nodong Sinmun entitled “Russia and the DPRK: traditions of friendship and cooperation through the years”.

Key theses from the Russian president’s article:

• “Relations of friendship and good neighborliness between Russia and the DPRK, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust, have more than seven decades and are rich in glorious historical traditions. Our peoples cherish the memory of the difficult joint struggle against Japanese militarism and honor the fallen heroes”. 

• “In August 1945, Soviet soldiers, fighting shoulder to shoulder with Korean patriots, defeated the Kwantung Army, liberated the Korean Peninsula from colonizers, and opened the way for the Korean people to develop independently. The monument on Moranbong Hill, erected in 1946 in the center of Pyongyang in honor of the liberation of Korea by the Red Army, is a symbol of the brotherhood of the two peoples”.

• “The Soviet Union was the first in the world to recognize the young Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, establishing diplomatic relations with it. And already on March 17, 1949, during the first visit to Moscow of the founder of the DPRK, Comrade Kim Il Sung, the Treaty on Economic and Cultural Cooperation between the USSR and the DPRK was signed, which laid the legal foundation for further strengthening of bilateral cooperation”.

• “In the difficult time of the Patriotic War of Liberation of 1950-1953, the Soviet Union also extended a helping hand to the people of the DPRK, supported them in their struggle for independence. Subsequently, it provided considerable assistance in the restoration and strengthening of the national economy of the young Korean state, and in the establishment of peaceful life”.

• “My first visit to Pyongyang in 2000 and the return visit the following year of Comrade Kim Jong Il, Chairman of the State Defense Committee of the DPRK, to Russia were new important milestones in the relations between our countries. The bilateral declarations signed at that time defined the main priorities and directions of our constructive multidimensional partnership for years to come.

• “Today, as before, Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are actively developing a multifaceted partnership. We highly appreciate the DPRK’s firm support for Russia’s [so-called] ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.”

• “The United States of America is trying hard to impose a so-called rules-based order on the world, which is in fact nothing but a global neo-colonial dictatorship based on double standards. Countries that do not agree with this approach and pursue independent policies face increasingly severe external pressure. The U.S. leadership views such a natural and legitimate desire for autonomy and independence as a threat to its dominance in the world.”

• “The United States and its satellites openly declare that their goal is to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. They are doing everything they can to prolong and inflame with greater force the conflict in Ukraine, which they themselves provoked by supporting and organizing the armed coup d’état in Kyiv in 2014 and then the war in Donbas. At the same time, all these years they have repeatedly rejected all our attempts to resolve the situation peacefully.

• “At the same time, on the contrary, our adversaries continue to supply the neo-Nazi Kiev regime with money, weapons and intelligence, and allow and in fact push it to use modern Western weapons and equipment to launch attacks on Russian territory. And more often than not – on obviously peaceful targets. They are threatening to send their military contingents to Ukraine. At the same time, they are trying to wear down our economy with more and more sanctions and provoke an increase in social and political tensions inside the country”.

• “It is gratifying that our Korean friends – despite years of economic pressure, provocations, blackmail and military threats from the United States – are as effective in defending their interests. We see with what strength, dignity and courage the people of the DPRK fight for their freedom, sovereignty and national traditions.”

• “Russia has always supported and will continue to support the DPRK and the heroic Korean people in their confrontation with an insidious, dangerous and aggressive enemy, in their struggle for independence, identity and the right to choose their own path of development.”

• “We are also ready for close cooperation to make international relations more democratic and stable. To this end, we will develop alternative mechanisms for trade and mutual settlements beyond the control of the West and jointly oppose illegitimate unilateral restrictions. At the same time, we will build an architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia.

On Wednesday, June 19, Putin and Kim Jong Un held an official meeting ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, during which the two heads of state introduced members of their delegations. The two sides held several rounds of extended and face-to-face talks.

Key talking points from the open part of the extended Russian-Korean talks:

• Kim Jong-un: “Comrade President Putin’s current visit to Pyongyang confirms the quality of Russian-Korean relations, which have entered a period of the highest development, and at the same time is a great historical moment of the most significant strategic importance in the history of Russian-Korean relations.”

• Kim Jong-un: “The relations between our two countries are now entering a new high period of prosperity that cannot even be compared to the period of Korea-Soviet relations of the last century. And I am confident that the fiery friendship between the two countries will be monolithically strengthened during this visit.”

• Kim Jong Un: “The Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea appreciates the important mission and role of a strong Russian Federation in maintaining strategic stability and balance in the world, and expresses its full support and solidarity to the Russian government, army and people in carrying out the [so-called] ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine to protect its sovereignty, security interests as well as territorial integrity.”

• Putin: “Russia and the DPRK have been linked for many decades by strong friendship and close good-neighborliness. Cooperation between our countries is based on the principles of equality and mutual respect for each other’s interests.

• Putin: “Last year, as a result of your visit to Russia, we made significant progress in building our interstate ties of today. And today we have prepared a new fundamental document that will form the basis of our relations for the long term”.

• Putin: “We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in Ukraine. I am referring to our struggle against the hegemonic policy imposed for decades, the imperialist policy of the United States and its satellites against the Russian Federation”.

• Putin: “And in conclusion of my opening remarks, I would like to note that I am impressed by what has happened to the capital of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in recent years. The changes in Pyongyang’s appearance are impressive, the changes that have taken place since my previous visit in 2000, it is simply noticeable.”

Following the talks, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. In addition, during the visit to the DPRK, intergovernmental agreements were signed on the construction of a border highway bridge and on cooperation in healthcare, medical education and science.

The sides also held a joint press conference, during which they voiced a number of agreements resulting from the talks, as well as commented on the international agenda.

Key talking points from the joint press conference: 

• Kim Jong-un: “At this moment, when the whole world is gazing intently at Pyongyang, where a friendship mission from Russia has arrived, I stand with Russian comrades, the most honest friends and associates in this solemn hall, and it gives me a deep feeling.”

• Kim Jong-un: “I feel honored and proud that as Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, I have made with the President of the Russian Federation, Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, an event of great strategic weight and significance for the peoples of our two countries, the DPRK and the Russian Federation, and not only for today but also for tomorrow”.

• Kim Jong-un: “Relations between our two countries have risen to a new high level of alliance. A legal foundation has been laid, through which it has become possible to realize the grandiose vision of the leadership of the two countries and the age-old aspiration of our peoples to reliably protect peace and security in the region and the world and to build strong states in accordance with the common interests of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation”.

• Putin: “We attach paramount importance to strengthening traditionally friendly and good-neighborly Russian-Korean relations, which are based on the glorious traditions of common history. Let me remind you that the Soviet Union played a significant role in liberating Korea from Japanese colonial rule. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the conclusion of the first international treaty of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. It was a treaty with our country”.

• Putin: “Today we have held thorough negotiations on the whole range of issues of practical cooperation. As a result, a new interstate Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed. It sets out large-scale tasks and guidelines for deepening Russian-Korean ties in the long term. This concerns political, trade and investment, cultural, humanitarian and security issues.

• Putin: “Both Russia and Korea pursue an independent and autonomous foreign policy and do not accept the language of blackmail and diktat. We oppose the practice of applying politically motivated sanctions and restrictions. These illegitimate actions only undermine the global political and economic system.”

• Putin: “We will also continue to counter the very practice of sanctions strangulation as a tool that the West is accustomed to using in order to preserve its hegemony in politics, the economy and other spheres. In this context, I note that the UN Security Council’s indefinite restrictive regime against the DPRK, inspired by the United States and its allies, must be reviewed.”

• Putin: “Russia is ready to continue its political and diplomatic efforts to eliminate the threat of a recurrence of armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula and to establish here an architecture of long-term peace and stability based on the principle of indivisible security.”

• Putin: “In this connection, the Russian Federation does not rule out for itself the development of military-technical cooperation with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in accordance with the document signed today. Korean friends take an objective and balanced position on the subject of the Ukrainian settlement and understand the true initial causes of the crisis. This line of the Korean leadership is another clear confirmation of the truly independent, autonomous and sovereign course of the DPRK”.

After the end of the talks, Vladimir Putin attended a ceremonial reception on behalf of the Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. At the end of his visit, the Russian president laid a wreath at the Liberation Monument in Pyongyang, which was erected in 1946 to commemorate the soldiers of the Soviet Army who died in the liberation of Korea from Japanese occupation, and also visited the Orthodox Church of the Holy Life-Giving Trinity in Pyongyang.

Totals/Predictions: 

Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea was intended to show the formation of an international of states that do not recognize U.S. sanctions and are ready to cooperate – including in the military sphere. The visit to Pyongyang is a kind of challenge to the West. The choice of countries to visit (Korea, Vietnam) is like a symbolic reminder to the US of the places where it lost wars in the twentieth century. Putin cares about symbolic moments. 

It is important that in 2017 Putin, hoping to be able to reach an agreement with the United States, supported sanctions against North Korea. Now he has shown that it is necessary to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of sanctions. The fact that North Korea is in China’s sphere of influence should show that Putin is further building a policy of orientation towards Beijing and intensifying his presence in the Far East. An important moment was the signing of a whole set of treaties between Russia and North Korea, including a strategic partnership treaty that allows the countries to provide mutual military assistance to each other. 

3. Vladimir Putin’s visit to Vietnam

On Wednesday, June 19, after ending his visit to the DPRK, Vladimir Putin left for Vietnam, which he also visited on a two-day state visit. As in the previous case, on the eve of the Russian president’s visit, Putin’s article titled “Russia and Vietnam: Friendship Proven by Time” was published in the official publication of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee, Nhanzan.

Key talking points from the Russian president’s article: 

• “It is symbolic that our upcoming trip to Vietnam will take place in the days when the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Russian-Vietnamese Treaty on the Foundations of Friendly Relations is being celebrated. This strategic document has opened up broad opportunities for strengthening and developing the whole range of bilateral ties. At a new historical stage, it has given them a powerful impetus and growing dynamics”.

• “Our country rendered weighty assistance to the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people against foreign invaders. And after the victory and complete liberation of the Vietnamese land from invaders, Soviet builders, engineers, doctors, pedagogues, scientists helped Vietnam to rebuild the country. They did a lot to build up its economic and defense potential, to solve priority social problems”.

• “Vietnam is an ancient, vibrant and distinctive civilization in the mosaic of a multipolar world. In the international arena, Hanoi pursues an independent foreign policy and is a strong supporter of a just world order based on international law, the principles of equality of all states and non-interference in their internal affairs”.

• “It is important that both countries pay serious attention to deepening mutual trade and stimulating investment on an ongoing basis. Thus, according to Russian statistics, bilateral trade turnover increased by eight percent in 2023, and in the first quarter of this year it increased by more than a third year-on-year.”

• “The energy sector remains a strategically important sector of bilateral cooperation. The Vietsovpetro joint venture, which has been developing fields on the Vietnamese continental shelf for more than four decades, demonstrates high efficiency. The volume of oil produced over the years has exceeded 250 million tons. In the Nenets Autonomous District of Russia, the joint company Rusvietpetro, established in 2008, is successfully operating”.

• “The initiative to establish a nuclear science and technology center in Vietnam with Rosatom’s assistance is being worked on. In this regard, I would like to note that the Russian state corporation is generally ready to assist Vietnamese partners in building up the national nuclear power industry, including strengthening its human resources potential”.

• “Deepening mutual understanding between our peoples is undoubtedly facilitated by tourism. Vietnam has long been one of the popular vacation destinations for Russians, and Vietnamese citizens have always been attracted by the sights of our country. An increase in the number of direct flights would help to intensify counter-tourist flows”.

Already on Thursday, June 20, Vladimir Putin met with Vietnamese President To Lam in Hanoi. The parties held official talks, which were also attended by representatives of the delegations of the two states. 

Key talking points from the public part of the talks:

• Tho Lam: “Your visit comes in the context of our celebration of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Foundations of Friendly Relations between Vietnam and Russia, 1994-2024. We are also actively preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia next year.”

• Tho Lam: “Vietnam also congratulates the Russian Federation on achieving important achievements under your leadership over the past two decades. We are very happy that Russia’s political and social stability is strengthening, the economy is actively developing, the people’s lives are improving, and Russia’s position and authority are steadily growing in the international arena”.

• Tho Lam: “I would like to congratulate you once again on the fact that you received almost absolute support from the population in the recent presidential election in Russia, which indicates a very high level of confidence of the Russian people in you personally, as well as in the course you are pursuing. I am sure that this course is very correct and it will contribute to further strengthening and development of a strong, united and prosperous Russia”.

• Tho Lam: “Vietnam pursues an independent, self-reliant peaceful foreign policy as well as a diversified and multi-vector policy, but we always attach importance to the development of traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia. We consider Russia as one of Vietnam’s foreign policy priorities”.

• Tho Lam: “In our talks today, I would like to discuss with you, Dear Comrade President, the main directions and topics on developing and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia in the interests of our two countries for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.”

• Putin: “You have just noted that we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on the Foundations of Friendly Relations. All this time we have been maintaining regular and meaningful political contacts between us, including through parliaments, ministries, agencies, parties, regions and public organizations. Most recently, you were also in Russia as Minister of Public Security.

• Putin: “We are coordinating our actions in the international arena as well. Russia attaches great importance to the development of dialog with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Vietnam is one of the leading members”.

• Putin: “Next year we will also celebrate several significant dates at once: the establishment of diplomatic relations – 75 years, and the liberation of South Vietnam – 50 years. We will be glad to see you at the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow”.

After the official talks, the Russian President held a meeting with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Tinh. The conversation took place in the format of a working breakfast.

Key talking points from the public part of the talks: 

• Pham Minh Tinh: “First of all, I would like to warmly welcome Comrade President as well as the high-ranking delegation of the Russian Federation on your State visit to Vietnam. This is your fifth visit to Vietnam since 2001. I cordially congratulate you on your convincing, absolute victory in the recent presidential election, which testifies to the very high level of trust of the Russian people in you, as well as the correctness of Russia’s development course.”

• Pham Minh Tinh: “Your current visit is very important in the context of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Foundations of Friendly Relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, is a strong message of our two countries’ determination to give new impetus to the relationship of traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Russian Federation in the near future. Let’s jointly develop [potential] in the interests of our two countries for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, in the world”.

• Pham Minh Tinh: “For Vietnam, the Russian Federation has always been one of the most important partners. Our traditional friendship, sincerity, political trust, friendly cooperation are invaluable assets of our two peoples. They were built by many generations of leaders and residents of the two countries, they have passed through the tests of time and space. The Vietnamese people always remember, with gratitude, the selfless help and support that the Russian people and you personally provided to Vietnam in our construction, protection and development of the country”.

• Putin: “The Soviet Union, as you noted, provided effective assistance in the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people against the French and then American invaders, and subsequently contributed to the peaceful construction of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It is important that Vietnam also remembers and cherishes this memory”.

• Putin: “In recent decades, we have significantly developed the legal framework for cooperation. In addition to the cornerstone Treaty on the Foundations of Friendly Relations, which just recently turned 30 years old, there are more than 80 interstate and intergovernmental agreements between our countries. A number of important bilateral documents have also been signed during this visit.

• Putin: “Joint ventures, primarily in the energy sector: Vietsovpetro on the continental shelf of Vietnam and Rusvietpetro in the Nenets Autonomous District in Russia, are working effectively. We are ready to establish long-term direct supplies of hydrocarbons, including LNG, to Vietnam. With our assistance, many power generation facilities have been built in Vietnam. We are interested in new projects and participation in the modernization of existing HPPs.

• Putin: “I would like to emphasize that despite all the difficulties of today, we aim to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and will contribute to it in every possible way. I hope that this visit, I have no doubt about it, will also serve to strengthen our relations.

After the meeting with the Vietnamese Prime Minister, the Russian president visited the Central Committee building of the Communist Party of Vietnam in Hanoi, where he held talks with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong. 

Key Abstracts:

• Nguyen Phu Trong: “Comrade Putin has always given special feelings, special support to the Vietnamese people, to our bilateral relations. You personally, together with our leaders, decided to establish a strategic partnership and then also raised the relationship to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.”

• Nguyen Phu Trong: “I very much appreciate that you have accepted our invitation and are paying a visit to Vietnam after your inauguration and re-election. This is your fifth visit to Vietnam, just in the context of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Foundations of Friendly Relations between our two countries, and also just after the recent celebration of the centenary of our President’s arrival in Russia. His visit laid the foundations, the foundation for our bilateral relations, and we are also preparing for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.”

• Nguyen Phu Trong: “Your visit is very important. Since we signed this very important treaty, our relations have been developing very fruitfully, steadily expanding and strengthening. Your current visit is a very good opportunity, we can discuss further measures and directions to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between our countries for the benefit of our peoples – for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world in the new phase.”

• Nguyen Phu Trong: “Our Party, State and people are always grateful and appreciative to the Russian people for their selfless help and support to Vietnam in our struggle for independence, construction and defense of the motherland. Now our people and I personally, as a person who once lived and studied in Russia, we remember and think with awe of our very kind, friendly Russian friends and the great and beautiful country of Russia.”

• Putin: “Vietnam has been and remains our reliable friend and partner. The relationship between us has stood the test of time – you have just mentioned it, distinguished Comrade Secretary General – including during the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people for their independence. This relationship is based on trust and mutual assistance, which allows us to meet the most difficult challenges and move forward with confidence.

• Putin: “We are firmly determined to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, which remains among the priority areas of Russia’s foreign policy. We are ready to continue active joint work on a wide range of topics, including economic, scientific and technical ties, defense, security and humanitarian contacts.”

• Putin: “I would also like to note that Russia and Vietnam have close positions on many pressing international issues. We share the ideas of building a just, democratic, multipolar world order based on international law, the principles of sovereignty and the equality of states”.

• Putin: “We cooperate closely and constructively within the framework of international associations, first of all in the UN, and we certainly appreciate your balanced position on the most acute crisis situations.”

• Putin: “Today we have a good opportunity to discuss key issues of multifaceted bilateral cooperation and priorities of joint work for the future. And of course, we will also consider the current situation in international affairs.

• Putin: “Our current visit, I have no doubt, will give a good additional impetus to the advancement of our relations on the entire broad agenda of Russian-Vietnamese relations.”

During his visit to Vietnam, the Russian president also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial to Fallen Heroes in Hanoi, in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Badinh Square, had a talk with the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Tran Thanh Manh, and also visited with Vietnamese President Tho Lam the Bolshoi Opera House, where he met with graduates of Soviet and Russian universities. 

Key messages from a meeting with university graduates:

• Putin: “All of you have studied the Russian language and the history of our country, and there is no need even to seek the help of interpreters, as they will be out of work today in this format. But I am sure that you, because of your knowledge of the Russian language, are certainly aware of what is happening in Russia now, how dynamically our country, our economy, science, and society as a whole are developing. You are familiar with our independent policy in the foreign arena. And we certainly appreciate this very much.

• Putin: “It is very important that you pass on your good feelings for Russia to your relatives, children, and loved ones who may never have been to our country, but who, I hope, are interested in it. In general, it is difficult to overestimate your contribution to strengthening Russian-Vietnamese relations, which, as stated in the joint Russian-Vietnamese statement adopted today, have the character of a comprehensive strategic partnership.”

• Putin: “We must ensure the security of our countries, which means we must think – sad as it may seem, but we must also talk about this – about modern weapons, including those based on new physical principles. This means that we must develop engineering, train specialists. This means that we must think about the development of our research in the field of outer space, space exploration, both near and far space.

• Putin: “We have a lot of areas for joint work. And if you ask yourself what is the most urgent for us, of course, now, we know that we are working closely in the energy sector, we are working closely within the framework of the Tropical Center. There is a lot to work on there, and there are concrete achievements there. It is clear that these specialists will be in demand there”.

• Putin: “It is impossible to limit access to the huge flow of information. Therefore, there is only one way to overcome the negative trends associated with it, and that is to be more convincing on the information field. And for the peoples of the former Soviet Union, for Russia today, and for Vietnam there are such opportunities precisely because of the outstanding examples of patriotism and heroism, in this case of the Vietnamese people, especially related to the pages of the struggle for independence and sovereignty, for the unification of the country.”

At the end of the communication with the graduates, a gala reception was held at the Grand Opera House in Hanoi on behalf of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Tho Lam in honor of the visit of the Russian President.

At the end of his visit, Vladimir Putin held a press conference during which he answered a number of questions from journalists and, in his usual manner, voiced his traditional criticism of the West. 

Key Abstracts:

• “The Ukrainian regime did not start aggression against Russia, it started aggression even against the [so-called] “Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics” that we recognized before they became part of the Russian Federation. Now about somehow using each other’s capabilities in this conflict [within the framework of the treaty between the Russian Federation and the DPRK]. We are not asking anyone for this, no one has offered it to us, so there is no need.

• “In terms of sanctions, I’ve said before and I think in a meeting with your colleagues, the heads of the world’s news agencies, I said at the time that some of the sanctions that have been imposed on North Korea, to put it mildly, look kind of very strange.”

• “As you know, I come from Leningrad. Everyone knows very well what Leningrad experienced during the Second World War, during the Great Patriotic War. It was the blockade, when people were starved to death. There are losses, as you know, in my family on this occasion: my brother died practically from starvation during the blockade, he got sick and died. And what is happening to North Korea now? You can feel whatever you want about the regime, but to impose, say, restrictions on labor migration, it looks strange. What’s that leading to? It leads to the fact that families, even if they are in a very difficult financial situation, do not have the opportunity to earn somewhere and feed their children. Doesn’t that remind you of anything? Is it humane?”.

• “Everything will depend on how the situation on the ground evolves. I think that some sensible politicians will still think about whether the proposals I have made are realistic, objective and in the interests of all the contracting parties and the whole of Europe in particular, if it really wants an end to the conflict in the center of Europe. Well, we will see. I am not sure that this attitude to the proposals we have made will last forever. Already now you can hear the voices of some politicians saying that yes, maybe it is an ultimatum, yes, the demands are excessive, but we cannot refuse, we need to think and sort things out.

• “Isn’t what was stated by our partners an ultimatum? Some formulas have been invented, although there is the result of our negotiations in Minsk and Istanbul. Why doesn’t anyone remember it? There – I have already said it a hundred times, if we agreed then and there is a signature of the head of the negotiating group from the Ukrainian side that the agreements reached in Istanbul were in principle acceptable to the Ukrainian side. What happened on the ground, on the battlefield, that allows us to put forward any additional conditions that are in no way related to our agreements in Istanbul? There is nothing of the sort that could somehow change the position of another negotiating country, in this case Ukraine”.

• “I told you, we are not the ones who refused to negotiate. The Ukrainian side banned itself from negotiating. We didn’t. We are in favor and have never refused to do so. But not on the basis of some ephemeral forms, but on the basis of those agreements – I want to repeat it once again – that were reached in the course of difficult negotiations, almost a month and a half of negotiations in Istanbul and Minsk. This is the basis on which we are ready to continue our dialog with the Ukrainian side. And it does not matter where they will take place – in Minsk, in Istanbul or in Switzerland.

• “We have these proposals on our side on the table – please. It is no longer up to us, when all the subjects interested in these negotiations will take what is on their table and start these negotiations. Tomorrow. But when they deign to do it is up to them. But, I repeat, everything will depend on what happens in real life. And then, of course, we will proceed from that. But the principle approach will be as follows.

• “You know, I think I said that we are still thinking about what and how we could change in this nuclear doctrine, in the strategy. And it has to do with this. It has to do with the fact that new elements related to lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons are emerging – at least, we know that the likely adversary is working on this. In particular, explosive nuclear devices of ultra-low yield are being developed, and we know that in expert circles in the West there are ideas that such means of destruction could be used, and there is nothing particularly scary about this. It may not be terrible, but we have to pay attention to it. And we are paying attention to it.

• “As for the pressure from Washington and other Western countries, yes, it works for some, not so much for others. But in any case – I want to emphasize this, believe me, this is what is really happening – the rudeness with which the American authorities do it is not always to their benefit, and in strategic terms only to their detriment, because no one likes this snobbery, and no one will ever forgive it, even in the medium term historical perspective”.

• “And we have learned to overcome already, we have learned to overcome. Look, our production is growing. If oil has fallen a little, it is due to our voluntary restrictions within the framework of OPEC-plus, and the goal is to keep prices at an acceptable level. In principle, we are doing well. There are difficulties, but there are also ways to solve all these difficulties.

• “The strategic nuclear forces of the Russian Federation are always in a state of full operational readiness. Therefore, what is being done now in Western countries is of little concern to us. But, of course, we are closely monitoring this and will respond appropriately and adequately in the event of an increase in any threats.”

• “Indeed, we see it, we observe it. As you said, they keep raising the degree, escalating the situation. Apparently, they are counting on the fact that we will be scared at some point. But at the same time, they also say that they want to achieve a strategic defeat of Russia on the battlefield. What does this mean for Russia? For Russia it means the end of its statehood. It means the end of the thousand-year history of the Russian state. I think this is clear to everyone. And then the question arises: why should we be afraid? Isn’t it better to go to the end? This is elementary formal logic, a course in which – I think we had only six months of formal logic taught at the university – I remember very well. I even remember the teacher who taught it to us.

• “As for the Kharkiv direction, I have already said, there is no secret here. I told you, six months ago I said that if the shelling of our settlements in the border area continues, we will be forced to create a security zone – a sanitary zone – on Ukrainian territory. They continued, these shellings, and we did what we said we would do.

• “Yes, we know that mainly the Americans, the Europeans are pushing the Ukrainians to push the Ukrainians to push our units to the state border line at any cost – again, I want to emphasize this, again at any cost – and they plan to present this as a major success in 2024 in connection with the pending NATO summit and then the U.S. elections.”

• “The Security Council as a key organ of the UN emerged after the Second World War and according to the results of the Second World War, according to its outcomes. Of course, the situation in the world is changing, and this requires some kind of reform of this international institution. But here – this is the stamp of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs – it is necessary that this reform be based on a broad consensus. Because if it is some kind of behind-the-scenes decision of a group of countries, one country, it will do no good for the international community, because it will simply lose this instrument of dispute settlement. No matter how difficult it may be, no matter how costly it may be, the Security Council works one way or another. Therefore, we are in favor of reform, but only, I repeat, on the basis of broad consensus.

• “Regarding the revision of sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, yes, I have said that. But I am aware of the fact that in today’s situation it will be practically impossible to do this by conventional means, but we need to work on it. And it is necessary to show, for example, as with labor migration, that certain instruments that were proposed and agreed upon at one time, of course, under the arrangement of the United States, lose all force, meaning, and the humanitarian beginnings of what they were introduced for. That is why we intend to start and continue this work. As our people say, water sharpens the stone. We will see.

Totals/Predictions: 

The world’s fastest-growing economy, Vietnam has recently shown a penchant for multi-vector foreign policy, evidenced by the fact that the day after Putin’s visit, Hanoi hosted the deputy head of the U.S. State Department, who was assured of the friendship and commitment to the strategic partnership between the United States and Vietnam. 

At the same time, Vietnam is developing close relations with its erstwhile rival China. Therefore, Putin’s visit was more symbolic than strategic. Contrary to the U.S. sanctions policy, Vietnam is developing a number of energy projects with Russia and even, according to some experts, helping Russia to circumvent some sanctions in the energy sector. Obviously, the visit to Vietnam was important primarily in a symbolic sense, but not in a practical sense – in practical terms, relations between Russia and Vietnam are developing exclusively in the segment that makes it possible not to spoil relations with other countries in which Vietnam is interested. 

4. General Sergei Beseda’s resignation

On Saturday, June 23, information appeared in the network that the head of the 5th FSB Service of the Russian Federation, General Sergei Beseda, was dismissed from his position. Also, several Ascolta sources reported that Alexei Komov, who had previously worked as deputy head of the counterintelligence service (considered to be the man of the first deputy director of the FSB Sergey Korolev), was appointed in his place. It is noted that the formal reason for Beseda’s resignation was his reaching the age of 70. Also, some sources say that after his dismissal Beseda was appointed advisor to FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov. 

It is important to note that the 5th FSB Service, headed by Beseda since 2009, specializes in working in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Including Ukraine. It was Beseda who was repeatedly accused that due to inaccurate information about the real situation in Ukraine, Russia faced unexpected resistance in the first days of the war, which completely disrupted the Kremlin’s plans. 

Totals/Predictions: 

Sergei Orestovich Beseda is an entire era in the history of the Russian security services. Despite the numerous mistakes and blunders he made when developing strategies – including regarding Ukraine – he remained among the “irreplaceable”. Many generals have been dismissed for lesser blunders. His resignation was indeed due to his reaching the age of retirement, and there are no pitfalls to be found here. 

Putin has decided to start a personnel reshuffle in the FSB. It is known that Alexei Sedov, who is responsible for “political investigation” in the Russian Federation and head of the 2nd Service of the FSB (for the protection of the constitutional order and the fight against terrorism), will leave his post this summer. He will also turn 70 in August. It is interesting that people connected with the first deputy director of the FSB, Sergei Korolev, are being promoted to both positions. For example, Sergei Beseda wanted to see General Dmitry Milyutin, who is responsible for Moldova and Belarus, in his chair. But it was decided to give the vacated chair to Alexei Komov, Korolev’s man. Thus, it can be predicted that the strengthening of Korolev is a prelude to the replacement of Bortnikov himself. 

5. Putin’s new statements on readiness for peace talks 

Last week was a time of international activity for the Russian president, which he decided to use, among other things, to voice another thesis about his readiness for negotiations on “strategic stability”. In particular, Vladimir Putin repeated such theses both during his visit to North Korea and during his stay in Vietnam. Moreover, after Putin’s return to Moscow, his press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, was forced to clarify some of the wording, but still emphasized that Russia is allegedly ready for negotiations. 

Moreover, it is important to note that Vladimir Putin returned to the idea of negotiating not with the Ukrainian leadership on the conditions for ending the war, but directly with the U.S. president and on global issues, which in the Russian leader’s understanding are the path to “strategic stability.” 

At the same time, in parallel with the statements from the Kremlin, the rhetoric of the Ukrainian authorities has also changed noticeably, and after the “peace summit” in Switzerland, they are talking more and more openly about the possibility of attracting Russia to the next summit. Previously, the issue of negotiations with Russia in any possible format was not publicly discussed. 

Totals/Predictions: 

Obviously, Russia is preparing the ground for some kind of negotiation process and is raising the stakes, strengthening its negotiating positions. Putin’s statements should not be taken as an imperative – negotiations usually end with compromises that the Russian side is diligently preparing (according to the principle of “ask for more and you will get what you want”). It is also important to note the fact that Putin emphasizes the scheme, which, among other things, Ascolta has repeatedly predicted: Russia wants to negotiate peace with the U.S., not with Ukraine, and the issue of Ukraine should be solved in conjunction with other issues. The U.S. side wants Russia to negotiate only with Ukraine and only on the specific issue of peace terms. 

6. A terrorist attack in Dagestan

On Sunday, June 23, the media reported a shootout in Derbent, located in the southeast of the Republic of Dagestan. Later, several confirming videos were published, showing terrorists shooting in the city. Also, the media reported that terrorists set fire to a local synagogue, an Orthodox church, and a police squad, killing at least one policeman. Some sources claimed that the terrorists killed a local priest during the burning of the church, but there was no confirming information at the time of writing this digest. 

Already some time later, footage of the liquidation of several terrorists, which had earlier been caught on video, appeared on the network. However, at the same time it became known that armed men started a shootout in Makhachkala, the capital of the Republic of Dagestan. An anti-terrorist operation was announced in the Republic. Later, the media also reported about an attack by militants on the border of Russia and Abkhazia. By this time, local authorities were claiming six dead law enforcers. Closer to midnight, this figure increased to ten, and the total number of casualties across Dagestan amounted to 35 people.

Some time later, several Russian Telegram channels began spreading information that terrorists were holding about 40 hostages in an Orthodox church in Makhachkala. However, the hostage-taking was not officially confirmed. At the same time, Duma deputy from Dagestan Abdulkhakim Gadzhiev publicly expressed the opinion that Western intelligence services and Ukraine were behind the organization of the terrorist attack: “The intelligence services of Ukraine and NATO countries may be behind it… Because we are developing success in the [so-called] ‘SWO’ on all fronts, which means the situation needs to be rocked inside our country.”

Some time later, there was information about the beginning of the storming of the church in Makhachkala, where the terrorists are sheltering. It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Dagestan denied the presence of hostages in the temple, but later it was still officially announced that the building was sheltering about 19 civilians who were allegedly in the “cleared” territory. In parallel, information about the detention of the head of the Sergokala district Magomed Omarov appeared. Several sources earlier claimed that the two militants who attacked the police were his sons. Later, law enforcement sources said that the three militants liquidated in Dagestan were identified as Omarov’s sons and nephew. Interestingly, an hour after this information appeared in the media, the page about Magomed Omarov disappeared from the website of the local branch of United Russia.

Also many observers paid attention to the fact that just a few hours before the terrorist attack, a meeting on anti-terrorist measures was held in Dagestan with the participation of the head of the Republic Sergei Melikov, the heads of the security forces and the deputy director of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation.

Totals/Predictions:

The situation in the North Caucasus is potentially explosive. The presence of separatist sentiments in part of the population of Dagestan, clan intrigues, the activities of Wahhabis and foreign intelligence services are a given that Russia faces in the region. The presence of the Kadyrov clan factor in Chechnya partially solves this issue. Dagestan does not have its own Kadyrov. Moreover, Kadyrov would like to control the entire North Caucasus himself. Putin realizes that Dagestan is the key to the development of separatist sentiments in the entire Russian Federation, so he has repeatedly demonstrated that he will severely suppress any manifestations of radical Islamism and separatism. All the more so because from the side of radical Islamists we repeatedly see reasons for the world community to have no pity for them – terrorism has no justification.