Putin Hosts Myanmar Leader, Signals Deeper Energy Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing to the Kremlin on Tuesday for talks that centred on expanding bilateral cooperation, with energy deals taking a prominent place on the agenda.

The visit marks Min Aung Hlaing's first trip to a non-neighbouring country since he assumed the presidency in April, underscoring the growing alignment between Moscow and Naypyidaw as both face isolation from Western powers.

In public remarks following the meeting, Putin described the Myanmar leader as a "friend of Russia" and highlighted collaboration across sectors including energy, defence, and space exploration. He said negotiations were underway for the construction of an oil refinery in Myanmar, as well as for hydrocarbon production and exploration, including on the country's continental shelf.

Putin also noted potential for Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to Myanmar, possibly with onward transit to other markets.

Min Aung Hlaing, a former general, has sought international legitimacy since becoming president through a parliamentary vote following elections dominated by the army-backed party. He faces extensive Western sanctions.

Russia, like China, has backed Myanmar's military. Moscow has deepened defence cooperation with Naypyidaw and pursued opportunities for Russian energy firms in the country.

Myanmar has been gripped by conflict since the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, triggering a civil war.

This is not the first meeting between the two leaders. Last year, Min Aung Hlaing visited Moscow, where he gifted six elephants to Russia and signed an agreement for Russia's state nuclear corporation to build a small-scale nuclear plant in Myanmar.