The main event this week is President Putin’s speech at SPIEF 2026 – we carry what he said in full and provide our detailed analysis. It is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand today’s Russian strategic development thought. We also examine Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea and the implications for Russia, as well as deep dive Russian meetings held with the President of Tanzania, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. We also examine the latest investments by Chinese and Indian companies in Russia, look at the reasons why INSTC trade between Russia and Iran has boomed, and new visa free access to markets elsewhere in significant Asian economies.