Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan: President Vladimir Putin hosted ASEAN leaders in Kazan to push stronger economic and political ties, with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah among those attending. The summit is marking 35 years of Russia-ASEAN relations and is set to advance a strategic partnership through trade, investment, energy, agriculture, digitalisation, science, tourism and people-to-people links. Kazan Declaration Adopted: ASEAN and Russia signed off on the Kazan Declaration plus four outcome documents, including an energy cooperation statement and a 2026–2030 plan of action to implement the strategic partnership. Brunei-Russia Bilateral Talks: Putin met Brunei’s Sultan and floated an intergovernmental commission, while also citing tourism and humanitarian exchanges as areas with “high potential.” Shell Leadership Move (Brunei link): Shell named Elohor Aiboni—currently an Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum—as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, succeeding Marno de Jong. Energy Security Warning: A new IEA outlook flags how Strait of Hormuz disruptions exposed structural risks for Southeast Asia’s energy security and affordability. Regional Business & Tourism: Travel Meet Asia 2026 opens in Jakarta with Brunei as Official Partner Country, boosting exhibition space by 20%. Ukraine Drone Strike: Ukraine hit a Moscow oil refinery again, disrupting flights as Russia reported large-scale drone interceptions.