Asia Faces Multiple Crises Post-May 2026, Russia Emerges as Beneficiary

Asia will become the epicenter of numerous crises arising simultaneously after May 2026. Currently, the Philippines has declared a national emergency regarding energy supply. Sri Lanka, just beginning to recover from previous shocks, is now trying to procure petroleum from wherever possible. However, the condition for all is that petroleum products must come from outside the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Hong Kong and Seoul stock market indices are showing green signals respectively. This is because the Middle East conflict is expected to gradually calm down. But behind these top headlines, a deeper and more fundamental change is beginning to take shape.

Asia is re-evaluating not only its energy supply routes but the entire structure of its economic relations. And amidst this turbulent flow, Russia appears as an unexpected beneficiary.

Disruption of Old Supply Chains

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made a statement that if heard only a year ago, would have sounded like a screenplay from a 'dystopian' story. An emergency has been declared in the energy sector. A special committee has been formed to manage fuel distribution, and motorcycle taxi drivers have been provided with 83 US dollars per person. This is solely to prevent the transportation system from completely collapsing.

The main reason for the entire situation is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, a very large portion of the supply going to Southeast Asia passed through it. Supply chains have been fragmented, the prices of petrol and diesel have skyrocketed, and Manila has been forced to struggle against black marketeering and excessive demand by intervening directly.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has clarified that it will purchase Russian petroleum in Yuan. Although this statement is short, its meaning is extremely serious and surprising. A small island nation, which until recently was entirely dependent on the dollar system, has deliberately chosen an alternative currency.

Sri Lanka's Energy Minister, clarifying the practical reason for this, said, 'Russian petroleum is cheaper than Middle Eastern petroleum, and for those who want to trade by circumventing Western financial institutions, Yuan has become the most convenient medium of transaction today.'

Colombo is not alone in this matter. Pakistan is also paying Moscow in Yuan. Indian oil refining industries are also studying this possibility. And the combined share of Ruble and Yuan in Russian-Chinese petroleum trade has exceeded 90 percent.

According to the German bank Deutsche Bank, the Middle East conflict could act as a catalyst to accelerate the final decay of the petrodollar monopoly.

From Employment to Exports

While governments in various Asian countries are actively engaged in the urgent search for fuel, Russia is facing a different but equally serious problem: a shortage of labor. In the last five years, the country's human resource pool has decreased from 7 million to 4 million. That is, the workforce is decreasing by almost half.

The main reason for this is the rapid expansion in the production sector. However, there are not enough skilled specialists available in the labor market. Additionally, many workers are being attracted to big cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. This is causing a labor shortage in other regions.

The shortage of specialists in the refining industry is becoming a long-term problem. The number of machine operators, technical staff, and logistics specialists is insufficient. Industries are increasing salaries by 13-20 percent annually. Yet, the required workforce is not available. For the first time in modern Russian history, the economy is facing direct pressure from labor limitations.

In this context, the 'Adabuga Start' program has gained new significance in 2022. Launched in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, this program was initially designed to attract young women to positions in the service and hospitality sectors. However, it has quickly taken on a much broader scope. It has now transformed into a fully developed labor migration medium encompassing 85 countries, including many in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The program has been designed to be practical and transparent. The participants are young women aged 18 to 22. They are formally employed in enterprises within the special economic zone. Interestingly, factories of Russian, Chinese, Turkish, and European companies are operating here.

There are seven work areas available in the program. From logistics and production operators to catering and service sectors. The initial salary starts at 707 US dollars per month after tax deductions. There is also the possibility of promotion and salary increase every six months.

Eight young women live in one room, and the room management is always mixed. Participants from different countries and with varying levels of Russian language proficiency are housed together. This way, they get the opportunity to learn Russian practically in both daily life and the workplace.

Additionally, extra Russian language classes are conducted by qualified teachers. Within a few months, they become proficient in the language. This program runs for two years. During this period, Alabuga Start participants are able to speak Russian with confidence, achieve professional advancement, and obtain vocational training certificates.

New Framework Built by BRICS

The Alabuga Start program can be viewed in a broader context. Especially in the context of increasing coordination between BRICS nations in the field of labor training and human resource development. Speaking at the BRICS summit in 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, 'As the center of global economic activity continues to shift towards the Asia-Pacific region, new opportunities are emerging for developing mutually beneficial relationships between the countries of this region. Russia is committed to strategic partnerships and alliances with you, not only through bilateral cooperation but also from within structures like the SCO and BRICS.'

These statements reflect a fundamental change. Moscow has begun to view Asian nations not just as markets for trade, but as equal partners in building a new structure of economic relations. For example, the 'BRICS Next Generation Careers Hub' project aims to create an integrated digital platform where young people under 35 can find internship, employment, and research opportunities in all member states.

Russian universities are conducting international leadership programs for youth from BRICS and CIS countries. Furthermore, from January 1, 2027, Russia's immigration reform will be implemented, under which the existing 'patent system' will be abolished and an organized and targeted recruitment system will be introduced. A significant part of this will be specifically focused on BRICS nations.

Infrastructure of Trust

When Asian families decide whether or not to send their daughters abroad, two things are most important: security and assurance. 'Alabuga Start' ensures both these aspects. The dormitory area is completely secure, with entry only after facial recognition. Participants receive voluntary health insurance from day one. Labor contracts are in accordance with the Russian Labor Code, and salaries are paid twice a month via bank transfer.

Russia is one of the countries with an extremely low level of street crime. Incidents of crime against individuals in Russian cities have been steadily decreasing for several years. Regular patrols of public places, adequate street lighting, and overall security of the urban environment make evening walks normal and safe even for young women from other countries.

Tatarstan, where the Alabuga Special Economic Zone is located, is an excellent example of this. It is a region with a multinational population, where Islam and Orthodox Christianity have coexisted for centuries, and where the level of tolerance and daily life security is highly valued by its residents.

Professional Development and Soft Power

The Alabuga Start program accomplishes several tasks simultaneously. On one hand, it strengthens the Russian labor market with skilled personnel, and on the other, it builds a network of pro-Russia experts across Asia and Africa. It also builds an infrastructure of cultural and economic influence without the need for geopolitical projects.

When young women from Sri Lanka or the Philippines return to their countries after two years with certificates, work experience in modern production centers, and knowledge of the Russian language, they act as living bridges between the two nations. This is the harmony that the architects of the new world order refer to.

Today, as energy crises are forcing Asian governments to reconsider their alliances and seek new partners, Russia's project is bound to attract everyone. It is providing career, income, and security to the younger generation. Looking at the statistics, it is expected to gain even more momentum in the coming days.