In Kazan, Vladimir Putin finds solace from G7 as Russian press laments Russia 'backed against the wall'

While Western leaders convened at the G7 summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin is focusing on strengthening ties with Asian nations. Putin is hosting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kazan, Tatarstan, for a summit marking 35 years of "strategic cooperation."

This gathering offers Putin an opportunity to project an image of international engagement, particularly as Russia faces isolation from Western powers. The summit is also significant as ASEAN countries have become a primary market for Russian hydrocarbons amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Despite the diplomatic efforts in Kazan, Russian media outlets have voiced concerns about the country's international standing. Reports suggest a sentiment of Russia being "backed against the wall" following its limited influence at the G7 summit. Putin's appearance alongside Asian leaders in Kazan, his first provincial visit in over seven months, is seen as a calculated move to counter this narrative.