Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi on Thursday, following a newly signed mutual defense agreement with North Korea. The visit highlights longstanding ties and strategic interests between Russia and Vietnam.

Vietnam and Russia share a history of close relations dating back to the 1950s. However, Hanoi is unlikely to provide Putin with the public endorsement on Ukraine that he received from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Vietnam has long maintained a "bamboo diplomacy" strategy, balancing relations with major powers without aligning too closely with any. Recent visits by US President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping underscore Vietnam's diplomatic flexibility.

Hosting Putin, who faces international sanctions and is widely seen as a global pariah, will test Hanoi's ability to maintain its multi-directional diplomatic strategy, according to Huong Le Thu, deputy director of the Asia Program at the International Crisis Group. For Putin, this trip is an opportunity to showcase international support.

The Soviet Union was among the first to recognize Ho Chi Minh's government in 1950, establishing strong diplomatic and military ties. During the Vietnam War, the Soviet Union supplied Vietnam with military equipment and personnel, solidifying their relationship. This bond continued post-Soviet Union, with Russia supplying over 80% of Vietnam's arms from 1995 to 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Additionally, Russia used Vietnam's strategic Cam Ranh Bay as a military base until 2002. The two nations upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, a status shared by Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.

Official discussions will focus on trade, education, and energy, particularly Russia's potential role in helping Vietnam transition to clean energy. However, analysts suggest that arms exports, the Ukraine conflict, and Russia's support for Vietnam's BRICS membership will also be significant topics.

Vietnam's arms imports from Russia have declined recently due to international sanctions related to the Ukraine invasion. Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at Australia's University of New South Wales, believes that behind closed doors, the two nations will likely explore ways to conduct business without violating Western sanctions.