Regional Diplomacy: Russia and ASEAN wrapped up the Kazan summit with the Kazan Declaration, outlining cooperation across 16 areas through 2030, including trade, energy, digitalisation, science, culture and workforce training—Brunei among the leaders attending. Energy & Finance: Putin urged ASEAN to expand trade using national currencies and promised continued supplies of food and energy, while both sides flagged growing global energy instability and the need to protect critical infrastructure and maritime routes. Security Tensions: Ukraine’s drone attack on a Moscow oil refinery disrupted flights at several Moscow airports, with Russia vowing “massive group strikes” on Kyiv in retaliation. Business Appointments: Shell named Elohor Aiboni as its first Nigerian woman Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective 1 August 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong; Aiboni previously worked in Shell roles including in Brunei. Local-Regional Links: Sabah’s Kopeks said it will collaborate with Bruneian cooperatives via Brunei’s Malay Business Chamber, while India’s high commission backed direct air connectivity to Sabah as a tourism and economic “game changer.” Culture & Events: Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival returns 26–28 June with international acts, and Sabah’s tabletop gaming convention doubled in size for its second edition with vendors from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.