Russia and Vietnam sign new agreements, one day after Putin's visit to North Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts in Asia, signing a series of deals with Vietnam and North Korea. In a televised news briefing with Vietnamese President To Lam, Putin emphasized the need for a new "security architecture" in Asia, suggesting that Russia is pivoting away from its traditional relationships with European nations due to Western sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine. The agreements signed between Russia and Vietnam cover various issues, including energy, but none of them explicitly relate to defense. Vietnamese President To Lam hinted at additional deals not made public. Meanwhile, the US has announced plans to deepen its ties with Vietnam, potentially as a counterbalance to Russia's growing influence in the region.