Mekong–Russia Cooperation: Russia’s Unprecedented Move in the Mekong Sub-Region

In the wake of the Russia—Ukraine war that began in February 2022, Russia faced an barrage of tough international sanctions. Meanwhile, the United States and Europe attempted to pressure China to assume a more responsible position in the international armed conflict. The United States-led political coalition attempted to politico-diplomatically diminish Russia’s presence in the Global South by pushing governments in developing countries to take sides, while capitals outside the Global North made significant efforts to avoid chain ganging on either side, including, inter alia, voting to condemn Russia in the United Nations General Assembly.