Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing has begun an official visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin and senior officials, with talks focused on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, security and social affairs. The trip includes a Myanmar–Russia Business Forum and is the leader’s seventh visit to Russia since the 2021 military takeover. The visit comes amid Western sanctions, criticism that the recent election was not free or fair, and reports of Russian-made arms used against ethnic minority-held areas.
Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing Visits Russia to Deepen Strategic, Economic and Military Ties
In this photo released by Myanmar President Office, Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, right, shakes hands with Lower House Speaker Khin Yi upon his departure to Russia, at the Naypyitaw international airport Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Myanmar President Office via AP)(Myanmar President Office via AP)
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military-backed leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has begun an official visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials in talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and strategic cooperation, state media reported.
Min Aung Hlaing departed Naypyitaw on Monday with members of his cabinet. According to state-run MRTV, the delegation will discuss economic, security and social cooperation and will take part in a Myanmar–Russia Business Forum intended to boost commercial ties.
Russia, alongside China, remains a principal supporter and arms supplier to Myanmar. Russian-made fighter jets have been reported used in operations against territory controlled by ethnic minority groups, including forces allied with pro-democracy resistance movements.
In this photo released by Myanmar President Office, Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, right, shakes hands with a Russian diplomat upon his departure to Russia, at the Naypyitaw international airport Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Myanmar President Office via AP)(Myanmar President Office via AP)
Min Aung Hlaing previously met Putin on the sidelines of Moscow’s World Atomic Week forum in September. Putin has not made an official visit to Myanmar.
The trip is one of several recent foreign visits by Min Aung Hlaing, including stops in China, India, Laos and Thailand, as he seeks to bolster international recognition and restore Myanmar’s diplomatic standing. Despite these efforts, Myanmar’s leader remains largely isolated on the world stage.
Min Aung Hlaing was inaugurated as president in April following a general election that United Nations experts and rights groups judged was neither free nor fair. Critics called the phased vote a sham designed to cement the military’s hold on power while presenting an appearance of returning to civilian rule.
In this photo released by Myanmar President Office, Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing waves his hand upon his departure to Russia, at the Naypyitaw international airport Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Myanmar President Office via AP)(Myanmar President Office via AP)
Monday’s departure marks Min Aung Hlaing’s seventh visit to Russia since the military—then led by him—seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Western countries have imposed economic and political sanctions in response to the coup and the military’s violent repression of dissent, actions that have contributed to thousands of civilian deaths and helped fuel an ongoing civil conflict.
In international forums, Russia has defended Myanmar’s military government, while Myanmar’s ruling generals have broadly supported Moscow’s foreign policy positions. The two countries have conducted joint military drills, signed an agreement on nuclear power development and agreed to cooperate on human spaceflight initiatives, including the selection and training of Myanmar’s first cosmonaut.
What To Watch
Business and Trade: Officials say the Myanmar–Russia Business Forum will explore investment and trade opportunities amid sanctions from Western nations.
Security Cooperation: Observers will watch for any announcements on arms sales, military training or expanded defense ties.
International Response: The visit may prompt renewed scrutiny from Western governments and rights organizations tracking Myanmar’s human rights record and the conduct of the military government.
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