MOSCOW, 19 August, 2026 (Nosheen) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday hosted Myanmar’s military-backed leader Min Aung Hlaing for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries.Opening the talks, Putin said Russia and Myanmar had cooperated on foreign policy and security issues while also developing a number of economic projects.The two countries have conducted joint military exercises and are working on plans for Russia to build a nuclear power plant, a seaport, oil refineries and other infrastructure facilities in Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing’s visit is the latest in a series of overseas trips to countries including China, India, Laos and Thailand as he seeks to strengthen international recognition and improve Myanmar’s diplomatic standing. Myanmar has remained largely isolated internationally since the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Western countries have imposed economic and political sanctions in response to the military takeover and its violent crackdown on opposition groups. Thousands of civilians have been killed, while the country continues to face a civil war.

Russia has defended Min Aung Hlaing’s military government at international forums, while Myanmar’s ruling generals have generally supported Moscow’s foreign policy positions. During Tuesday’s talks, Min Aung Hlaing thanked Putin for Russia’s political support and described Myanmar as a reliable partner. Russia, along with China, is a major supporter and arms supplier to Myanmar. Russian-made fighter jets have been used in attacks on areas controlled by ethnic minority groups, including groups allied with pro-democracy resistance forces. Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov told reporters that Moscow was ready to increase supplies of oil products, fertilizers and equipment to Myanmar, while also boosting imports of agricultural products and textiles from the country. The visit marks Min Aung Hlaing’s seventh trip to Russia. He previously met Putin on the sidelines of Moscow’s World Atomic Week Forum in September. Putin has never visited Myanmar.Min Aung Hlaing was inaugurated in April following general elections that United Nations experts and rights groups judged neither free nor fair. Critics rejected the elections, held in phases in December and January, as a sham intended to consolidate the military’s grip on power while presenting an image of a return to civilian rule.