ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan: Russia and ASEAN wrapped up a two-day summit and adopted the Kazan Declaration plus a 2026–2030 action plan, aiming to deepen cooperation across security, trade, energy, transport, agriculture, and digitalization/science & technology—with Laos among the delegations. Energy & tech cooperation: Russia also pushed energy security and nuclear cooperation with ASEAN, while joint statements flagged energy instability and the need for resilient supply chains and modern technologies. Laos digital transformation push: Laos’ Ministry of Technology and Communications, with UNDP, launched a project to accelerate digital transformation, tackling fragmented systems, weak connectivity/data sharing, and capacity gaps. Laos-Russia agriculture partnership: Laos and Russia agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture and environmental management, including irrigation, crop breeding, fertilizers, veterinary science, and tighter SPS measures for Lao products. Cybercrime warning: A new regional report says Asia-Pacific scam networks are booming and cybercrime is rising fast, with Laos named among countries hosting scam operations. Wildlife rescue in Laos: A Singapore-based NGO helped extract 27 moon bears from an illegal bile farm in Laos, moving them to a wildlife sanctuary after the operation was shut down. Laos nuclear study: LNCCI says Laos is studying the possibility of a nuclear power plant with Russia’s assistance, currently at the research stage.