The Russian Far East just received another boost in its links to East China by the introduction of direct flights between Sakhalin and Shanghai – two distinct regions of East Asia.
Russia has ratified the free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Indonesia, paving the way for a substantial increase of the bilateral US$4.8 billion in trade but also linking fellow Muslim markets in Central Asia to Southeast Asia.
Russia and Vietnam have signed a maritime agreement to 2030 that includes cooperation in naval activity, shipbuilding, ship repairs, and maritime personnel training, as well as the joint use of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor. It will compliment Russia’s expanding developments into Asian shipbuilding and repair investments throughout the region.
Another four Russian meat producing businesses have received permission to export their products to Singapore, where the average per meat consumption is four times more than the South Asian average.
President Vladimir Putin has met with the Supreme Ruler of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, who has been visiting Moscow. Malaysia is a BRICS partner state and has a US$4 billion+ trade turnover with Russia, with volumes also showing sustainable growth. Ibrahim invited Putin to a formal State visit to Malaysia during 2027.
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Russia’s President Putin has met with the Laos President and a full senior government and business delegation in Moscow. The two sides are looking at ways to increase bilateral trade and solutions to Laos’ energy shortage problems, with oil and gas supplies likely to be sent via Vietnam. Bilateral trade doubled in 2025.
Russia’s President Putin gave a detailed speech on May 9 (Victory Day) in which he discussed his thoughts and Russia’s strategy as concerns its immediate direction towards the Global South. He commented specifically about Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia and China as well as Europe, and how he sees global developments pan out. This article will be of interest to all Russia-watchers, geostrategic analysts as well as politicians in the West and Global South.
Russia’s Far Eastern Railway has reported a 3.4% increase in cargo during 4M 2026 after a decline in 2025. Shipments of coal, oil and petroleum, iron and manganese ore, non-ferrous ores and sulfur all increased.
Russia’s exports of chicken eggs have been increasing, with the Mongolian consumer market reacting after their Free Trade Agreement with the EAEU kicking in. Mongolia is now Russia’s largest chicken eggs export market, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Abkhazia, and Kyrgyzstan.
We deep dive the UAE’s decision to leave OPEC from May 1 and examine the impact on Russian, Asian and Global markets, and assess what other oil related supply shocks could manifest in these markets over the short, medium and longe terms.
Japan has recommenced purchasing Russian oil with a delivery expected from Russia’s Sakhalin blend crude on Sunday. 95% of Japan’s oil is imported from the Middle East leaving the country with limited options for importing replacements.
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