Vladimir Putin is trying to create an alternative to NATO out of a coalition of friendly states with historically warm ties to the Soviet Union, and may use this for his information operations in matters of global support.
This is reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Analysts note that the Russian dictator intends to create a coalition of friendly states with historically warm ties to the Soviet Union, probably in order to "act as an alternative to the West and the current world order."
The report mentions that prior to his visit to Vietnam, the Kremlin's master published an article in the Vietnamese state-run newspaper Nhân Dân, which played on the same information lines as an article that appeared in the North Korean state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun. He referred to the "historical memory" of what the relations between the Soviet Union and Vietnam were like during the Vietnam War. Here is what analysts point out:
"Putin invoked the historical memory of the Soviet Union's support for Vietnam during the Vietnam War, which Putin described as a "heroic struggle against foreign invaders"... Putin praised Vietnam for pursuing an "independent foreign policy" and supporting a world order based on "principles of equality between nations and non-interference in domestic affairs," echoing his praises for North Korea on June 18 and 19."
He also said that Vietnam, like the DPRK, shares Russia's views on the formation of a new system of "equal and indivisible Eurasian security." However, according to the report, Vietnam is generally not included in political conceptions of Eurasia.
With this in mind, analysts also mentioned Putin's visit to China in May 2024, noting that the Kremlin leader had already laid the "informational groundwork" for this Eurasian security structure. Later, he referred to this in a speech on June 14, saying that "Euro-Atlantic security system" is collapsing and that Western "schemes for security and prosperity in Europe do not work."
Experts suggest that the Russian dictator intends to use historical memory to form a coalition of countries that Putin would try to position as a "real alternative to NATO" with further attempts to strengthen the Kremlin's current information operations:
"Putin could attempt to posture as a feasible alternative to NATO and bolster the Kremlin's ongoing information operations attempting to falsely portray Western countries as Ukraine's only supporters whereas the rest of the world stands behind Russia."
Earlier, Antony Blinken described how China is helping Russia in the war and announced new sanctions.