Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing departs for Russia to expand energy and economic ties

Myanmar's current leader, Min Aung Hlaing, embarked on his inaugural official trip to Russia on Monday, as reported by state media. The junta chief and newly appointed president made the journey to the country for the first time since assuming power in April. This marks a significant development in the tight bilateral relations between the two nations.

Since ascending to the presidency, Min Aung Hlaing has visited Russia five times, cementing his commitment to strengthening ties with the nation. Previous visits took place in 2021, 2022, and March 2025, where he held formal discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The most recent visit included a Myanmar-Russia business forum, where Min Aung Hlaing was accompanied by the chief minister of Tanintharyi region and the head of Myanmar's aerospace agency.

The junta leader's visit comes amid a series of sanctions imposed by Western nations against Myanmar. As a result, the president has been actively seeking international legitimacy through diplomatic channels. Min Aung Hlaing's first trip to Russia in June 2021 was to attend a security conference five months after he seized power in a coup.

Russia sees Myanmar as a potential partner for its energy sector. When Min Aung Hlaing met Putin in 2025, the two nations signed an agreement to construct a small-scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar. Furthermore, Russia and Myanmar recently strengthened their defense ties, with Moscow providing military training, scholarships, and arms to thousands of Myanmar soldiers. Russia also expressed its willingness to help train Myanmar's first cosmonaut.