Putin will fail to join Vietnam to 'axis of evil': diplomat on Russian leader's Asian tour

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"In my opinion, Putin is trying to make Vietnam, if not his ally, then at least a country that declares a neutral status, which is primarily beneficial to Moscow. The Russian dictator has already praised Hanoi's position during his visit there. This means that Vietnam has distanced itself from everything that is happening on the frontline of this bloody war that Russia has started against Ukraine," the diplomat said.

According to him, the Kremlin's intention is to make Vietnam feel that it is facing people who are creating an alternative to the West.

"Whether Vietnam will go for it or not, who knows. I believe that Vietnam will take an absolutely clear, personal position and will not make any possible attempts to involve it in the 'axis of evil''' Ihor Lytvyn stressed.

• On the evening of June 19, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin began a visit to Vietnam. President To Lam said he wanted to strengthen ties with Moscow.