Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow to advance energy, defence and strategic cooperation. Discussions focused on building an oil refinery, hydrocarbon exploration on Myanmar's continental shelf and potential Russian LNG supplies — possibly transited onward. The visit highlights Russia's backing of Myanmar's military government amid ongoing Western sanctions and continued internal conflict since the 2021 coup.
Putin Hosts Myanmar's Junta Chief in Moscow, Accelerating Energy and Defence Ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing during a meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, August 18, 2026. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via REUTERS
Moscow, Aug 18 — Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Tuesday with Myanmar's junta leader-turned-president, Min Aung Hlaing, to discuss an expanded bilateral relationship focused heavily on energy, defence and broader strategic cooperation.
Putin praised Min Aung Hlaing as a friend of Russia and said the two countries were cooperating across multiple sectors. Officials highlighted ongoing talks on major energy projects, including the possible construction of an oil refinery in Myanmar and expanded hydrocarbon production and exploration, including work on Myanmar's continental shelf.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, August 18, 2026. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via REUTERS
Putin also pointed to encouraging prospects for supplying Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Myanmar, with potential plans for Myanmar to serve as a transit route for supplies to other countries in the region. Moscow has been positioning Russian energy firms to pursue opportunities in Myanmar alongside closer defence ties.
Min Aung Hlaing, a former general who assumed the presidency after a parliamentary vote following an election dominated by an army-backed party, remains the subject of extensive Western sanctions. Since the military coup in 2021 that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government, Myanmar has endured widespread unrest and an ongoing internal conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a signing ceremony following talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, August 18, 2026. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via REUTERS
The visit underscores Moscow's backing of Myanmar's military leadership: Russia has broadened defence cooperation with Naypyidaw and pursued deals for energy and civil nuclear cooperation. Last year, during an earlier Kremlin meeting, Min Aung Hlaing presented a gift of six elephants to Russia and signed an agreement for Rosatom — Russia's state nuclear corporation — to build a small-scale nuclear power project in Myanmar.
Analysts say the diplomatic embrace provides Min Aung Hlaing with a degree of international recognition and offers Russia commercial and strategic footholds in Southeast Asia, even as Western governments continue to press for accountability and a return to civilian rule in Myanmar.
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