Biden to push ASEAN leaders to speak out on Putin’s invasion of Ukraine

President Joe Biden will try to persuade Southeast Asian leaders to be more outspoken about Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine during their White House summit on Friday, as he looks to reduce Russian influence in the region.

The leaders of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) joined Biden for dinner on Thursday.

And they will reconvene for a day of talks on Friday, as officials said Ukraine would be on the agenda.

But Biden must strike a delicate balance with countries that have close ties with Russia.  

Several rely on Moscow for arms and the alliance has broadly steered clear of criticizing Putin’s invasion. 

Jen Psaki, his press secretary, could only say the issue would be discussed without offering more substantial guidance on a joint statement.

‘On…