Southeast Asia plays an important role in Russia’s East Asian economic policy, and the 21st century has brought enhanced cooperation with the countries of the region. These countries have long been in the domain of Chinese and American strategic interests, both of which have attempted to maintain leadership and bind these countries to their national interests. Aim. This study aims to examine economic sectors for Russian investments in Southeast Asia and the conditions required for economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and Southeast Asia. Tasks. This study examines the risks of investment cooperation for Russian companies in Southeast Asia and the internal political situation, state of the economy and finance, and specific features of industrialization of countries of Southeast Asia. It examines the Russian anti-recessionary policy as well as factors and resources to promote economic growth in Russia. Results. Complex analysis of the factors affecting the expansion of trade and investment relations between Russia and Southeast Asia shows the following trends: • Priority sectors for investment cooperation, where Russia can compete with the U.S. and China, are determined • Southeast Asia has been maintaining a high rate of economic growth • Economic restructuring and growth in Southeast Asia continue to depend on the volume of economic aid received from the donor community; therefore, there are debts, including Russian debt • Russia’s trade with countries of Southeast Asia is far inferior to its investment cooperation level; moreover, reindustrialization in the Russian Federation will be required to expand export of goods to Southeast Asia • The countries of Southeast Asia are increasing their import of Russian weapons. Lack of compromise in talks between the Russian Federation and the new U.S. administration has drawn Russia further into a new arms race, adversely affecting Russia’s economic recovery.