Putin arrived in Vietnam seeking to boost economic ties and show Western isolation is not impacting Russia amid sanctions over the Ukraine war. Vietnam maintains a policy of non-alignment and close historical ties with Russia, making it a natural partner despite criticism from the US. Putin met with Vietnamese leaders and said strengthening ties with Vietnam is a priority, inviting the president to 2025 Victory Day events in Moscow. Both sides are expected to announce new cooperation agreements in trade, energy, science, and technology.