Myanmar leader in Russia on diplomatic push, even as legal risks complicate travel elsewhere

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing has been making diplomatic visits to several countries since taking a civilian role in April. However, analysts warn that legal risks restrict his travel options. Hlaing is currently in Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin and attend a business forum, aiming to expand international ties and bolster the legitimacy of his administration.

The visit is his seventh to Russia since the 2021 military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi. Both countries are under sanctions from the West. According to Hunter Marston, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute, defense cooperation is expected to be a key topic. Russia remains a significant arms supplier to Myanmar, despite its involvement in Ukraine.

Energy cooperation is also likely to be discussed, as Myanmar seeks to strengthen its struggling economy. Russia provides an important diplomatic relationship for Myanmar, helping it diversify its international network amid Western isolation. Min Aung Hlaing's recent diplomatic push abroad aims to secure economic deals and gain international recognition for his administration, which remains isolated, particularly in the West.

However, his choice of destinations is influenced by the risk of arrest over allegations of international crimes, including crimes against humanity involving the Rohingya ethnic minority. The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has sought an arrest warrant for Hlaing, though it remains unclear if one has been issued.