Myanmar's President Heads to Russia for Summit with Putin

Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing traveled to Russia on Monday to meet with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, according to an announcement from Naypyidaw, marking the first visit of its kind by the former military council leader since he assumed his civilian post.

Russia was among a handful of countries that supported Myanmar following the 2021 military coup that ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and triggered a civil war that has claimed more than 100,000 lives.

A statement issued by the Myanmar president’s office said the visit to Russia aims to “continue strengthening the long-standing friendship and rapport between Myanmar and Russia, and enhance strategic cooperation,” particularly in the fields of security and the economy.

The Myanmar military has been using Russian-made aircraft against rebel factions, and it faces accusations of targeting civilians in attacks that may amount to war crimes.

Myanmar and Russia signed a five-year military cooperation agreement in February, although few details were provided.

The statement noted that Hlaing departed from Naypyidaw on Monday morning, accompanied by several senior officials.

It added that he is scheduled to meet with the Russian prime minister and the speaker of the State Duma, and will attend a joint Myanmar-Russia economic forum.

Hlaing has undertaken several overseas trips since April last year, including visits to China, India, and neighboring Thailand, in an effort to break his country’s international isolation.