Naypyidaw, Iraq, 17 August (Brussles Morning Newspaper)Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing left for Russia on Monday for an official visit that is expected to include talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Myanmar state media. The Min Aung Hlaing Russia visit is his first official trip to the country since assuming the presidency in April.
The journey highlights the close relationship between Moscow and Myanmar’s military-backed leadership at a time when the Southeast Asian country remains internationally isolated following years of conflict and political upheaval.
Myanmar president travels to Russia for Putin talks
Min Aung Hlaing departed Myanmar with a delegation that includes government officials, according to state media reports. The trip is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation across economic, security and other areas.
He is also due to attend a Myanmar-Russia business forum during the visit, providing another platform for officials and business representatives to discuss economic links between the two countries.
Russia has become one of Myanmar’s most important international partners since the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Moscow has maintained diplomatic and defence ties with Naypyidaw despite Western sanctions and criticism of the military authorities.
State media outlines purpose of official visit
Myanmar’s state media said the president would hold discussions aimed at further developing relations and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The Min Aung Hlaing Russia visit follows earlier high-level engagement between the two governments. During a trip to Russia in March 2025, Min Aung Hlaing met Putin and other senior Russian officials, with discussions covering political and economic cooperation. Myanmar state media subsequently described the meetings as positive.
No new direct statement from Putin about Monday’s visit had been reported at the time of publication.
Russia and Myanmar have deepened their ties
Relations between Moscow and Naypyidaw have strengthened considerably since Myanmar’s 2021 military takeover.
Min Aung Hlaing has travelled to Russia several times, including twice in 2022 as his administration sought to strengthen one of its relatively few significant diplomatic partnerships.
The two countries have expanded cooperation beyond conventional diplomacy and defence. Their relationship has included work involving nuclear energy and space cooperation, while previous bilateral discussions have also addressed trade, education, healthcare, tourism and transport.
Min Aung Hlaing became president in April 2026 following Myanmar’s political transition under a military-backed administration. Since then, he has stepped up foreign travel, including visits involving neighbouring and regional countries.
Why the Moscow trip matters for Myanmar
The visit gives Myanmar’s leadership an opportunity to demonstrate that it retains influential international partners despite continued criticism and sanctions from Western governments.
For Russia, closer relations with Myanmar reinforce Moscow’s political and economic engagement in Southeast Asia while providing another avenue for defence, energy and commercial cooperation.
The Min Aung Hlaing Russia visit will therefore be closely watched for any new agreements or commitments that emerge from meetings between the two governments.
What happens next?
Min Aung Hlaing is expected to hold talks with Putin and participate in engagements during his stay in Russia, including the bilateral business forum.
Any formal agreements, joint statements or new areas of cooperation will depend on announcements from the Myanmar and Russian governments during or following the talks. The outcome will offer a clearer indication of how far Moscow and Naypyidaw intend to deepen their relationship under Myanmar’s current administration.
