Putin hosts Myanmar’s leader for talks on deepening their relationship

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. The meeting aimed to deepen cooperation between the two countries. Putin highlighted that their relationship has been strong in foreign policy and security matters, and has seen economic projects and joint military drills.

Russia plans to build infrastructure in Myanmar, including a nuclear power plant, seaport, oil refineries, and other facilities. Despite the strong ties, Myanmar has faced international isolation since the military coup in February 2021, with Western nations imposing sanctions over its violent crackdown on dissent and the subsequent civil war.

Russia has backed the military government in international platforms, while Myanmar's generals have aligned with Russia's foreign policy goals. During their talks, Hlaing expressed gratitude for Putin's support and reaffirmed Myanmar's reliability as a partner. Both Russia and China are significant supporters and arms suppliers to Myanmar, with Russian fighter jets utilized in attacks on ethnic minority territories, including those allied with pro-democracy resistance groups.