Putin eyes nuclear project in Vietnam

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam to propose a joint nuclear science and technology center, following his North Korea visit. Vietnam previously suspended plans for a nuclear power plant about a decade ago, and it’s unclear if they will reconsider. Additionally, Putin’s column mentioned Russian company Novatek’s intentions to initiate new natural gas projects in Vietnam, adding to Gazprom’s gas field operations in the region. These energy cooperation plans were outlined in Nhan Dan, Vietnam’s party newspaper. Putin also praised Vietnam for its ‘balanced’ response to the Ukraine war, noting the country’s lack of criticism towards Russia’s actions. This trip to Hanoi is Putin’s fifth to Vietnam, aligning with an agreement on a ‘comprehensive’ strategic partnership signed with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un.