Myanmar's junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, traveled to Russia for an official visit and talks with President Vladimir Putin aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and strategic cooperation. Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by cabinet members, departed from the capital, Naypyitaw, on Monday.
The visit includes discussions on bilateral relations, economic, security, and social affairs with Putin and other senior Russian officials. Russia, alongside China, is a significant supporter and arms supplier to Myanmar. Russian-made fighter jets are reportedly used in attacks against ethnic minority-controlled territories, many of which are allied with pro-democracy resistance forces.
This is not the first meeting between the two leaders; Min Aung Hlaing previously met with Putin in September on the sidelines of Moscow's World Atomic Week Forum. Putin has not visited Myanmar.
Min Aung Hlaing's trip is part of a broader effort to seek international recognition and restore diplomatic standing. He has made recent visits to neighboring countries including China, India, Laos, and Thailand. Despite these efforts, he has largely remained isolated on the international stage. During his current trip, Min Aung Hlaing is also scheduled to attend a Myanmar-Russia Business Forum.
The visit comes as Min Aung Hlaing, inaugurated president in April, faces criticism regarding the general election held in December and January. United Nations experts and human rights groups have deemed the election neither free nor fair, with critics dismissing it as a sham designed to solidify military control under the guise of restoring civilian rule.
This marks Min Aung Hlaing's seventh visit to Russia since the military, which he led, seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Western nations have implemented economic and political sanctions in response to the military takeover and the subsequent violent repression of opposition, which has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and triggered a civil war.
Russia has publicly defended Min Aung Hlaing's military government in international forums. Conversely, Myanmar's ruling generals have generally supported Moscow's foreign policy objectives. The two nations have engaged in joint military drills, signed a pact for nuclear power development, and agreed to collaborate on human space flight projects, including the training of Myanmar's first cosmonaut.