Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing heads to Russia to deepen strategic ties with Moscow

Myanmar's military leader, President Min Aung Hlaing, is set to visit Russia to bolster diplomatic relations and strategic collaboration, according to state media. The visit comes as part of a series of trips aimed at enhancing international recognition and restoring Myanmar's diplomatic standing.

Min Aung Hlaing will meet with President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking Russian officials to discuss various issues, including bilateral ties, economic cooperation, security matters, and social affairs. Russia, along with China, has been a significant supporter and arms supplier to Myanmar. Russian-made fighter jets have been utilized in attacks against territories controlled by ethnic minority groups, many of whom are allied with pro-democracy resistance forces.

The visit marks Min Aung Hlaing's seventh trip to Russia since the military coup in February 2021, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Western nations have imposed economic and political sanctions in response to the military takeover and the subsequent violent repression of opposition, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths and the outbreak of a civil war.

Russia, however, has defended Min Aung Hlaing's military government in international forums, while Myanmar's ruling generals have largely aligned themselves with Moscow's foreign policy agenda. Joint military drills and agreements on nuclear power development and human space flight projects have been signed between the two countries.