Reviving Russia’s weapons exports to Vietnam in focus as Putin visits Hanoi

Russia requires mainly artillery shells for its war in Ukraine and could sell other weapons to its clients, analysts say

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Vietnamese President To Lam and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 2:28pm, 20 Jun 2024

The restarting of an arms trade with Vietnam is expected to be high on the agenda for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hanoi on a rare trip abroad to the capital of an old Cold War ally.

Putin arrived in the city on Thursday morning after visiting Pyongyang, where he met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The Russian leader is set for talks in Vietnam with Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who serves as Vietnam’s de facto top leader, President To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Much like Putin’s preceding two-day visit to North Korea, analysts believe the discussions will focus on military procurement in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. But while Russia sources from North Korea much-needed artillery shells on the battlefield, Putin may be looking to bolster its position on the sell side in Vietnam.

“While the demands of the war in Ukraine must be met first, Russia appears motivated to retain its traditional customers in these difficult times by offering long-term contracts,” said Carl Thayer, an emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales and specialist on Vietnamese defence issues.

“Russia appears willing to sell if the price is right or exchange military hardware for goods, that is, counter trade,” he added.