Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's leader, has traveled to Russia for the first time since becoming president to meet with Vladimir Putin, aiming to advance cooperation in economics, energy, technology, and military sectors.
On 18 Aug 2026 GMT+7, foreign news agencies reported that General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's military leader, departed from Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, on the morning of Monday, 17 Aug, for his first visit to Russia since assuming the presidency. He is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, as well as attend the Myanmar-Russia economic forum.
Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. Min Aung Hlaing's delegation includes several ministers and businessmen closely connected to his family and the military government.
Also accompanying him is So Mint Mong, CEO of Myanmar's Space Agency, amid discussions on satellite technology cooperation with Russia and plans to select and train Myanmar's first astronaut in Russia. Additionally, several senior military officers are part of the delegation to consult with the Russian military on deepening military cooperation.
This trip marks Min Aung Hlaing's fifth foreign visit since becoming president in April, following previous visits to India, China, Laos, and Thailand. It is his sixth visit to Russia since the Myanmar military seized power from the elected government in 2021.
Source: Irrawaddy