Wong Urges Respect for International Law at
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- PM Wong called on countries to uphold international law and the rules-based order at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia (June 19), citing a "more geopolitically volatile and turbulent world" and urging parties in conflicts to exercise restraint, return to dialogue, and resolve disputes peacefully
- Wong stressed Singapore's position on Ukraine is grounded in its consistent commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity, not alignment with any side, per Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Singapore is the only ASEAN member to have imposed sanctions on Russia, announced in February 2022 — including export controls on items usable as weapons in Ukraine and financial measures targeting Russian banks, entities, and fundraising for the Russian government
- The summit marked the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations and the 30th anniversary of the Dialogue Partnership; leaders adopted the Kazan Declaration, a joint statement on cultural cooperation, and the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action (2026–2030)
- Wong met Vladimir Putin at Russia's request, exchanging views on bilateral relations and regional developments; MFA said Wong looked forward to working with Russia under Singapore's 2027 ASEAN Chairmanship
- On the sidelines, Wong met Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, discussing cultural, educational, and people-to-people ties dating back to Lee Kuan Yew's 2007 visit
- Wong is scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Friday before returning to Singapore
Why it matters: Singapore's status as the sole ASEAN member sanctioning Russia gives Wong standing to invoke sovereignty and territorial integrity at this summit — but it also exposes the bloc's lack of unity on the Ukraine war. The adoption of the 2026–2030 Comprehensive Plan of Action binds ASEAN to five more years of structured engagement with Moscow, signaling that diplomatic ties will deepen even as one member state maintains punitive measures.
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