Russia's Putin Meets Myanmar's Leader to Talk Energy Deals

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Myanmar's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, in Moscow on Tuesday, August 18. The two leaders talked about many topics, including plans to work together on energy projects. This was an important visit because Russia was the first country outside of Myanmar's neighbors that Min Aung Hlaing had traveled to since becoming president in April.

After their meeting, Putin called Min Aung Hlaing a friend of Russia. He said the two countries are working together in several areas, including energy, defense, and even space exploration. This shows that Russia and Myanmar are building a stronger relationship, even as many Western countries push back against Myanmar's military government.

Putin shared details about some of the energy deals the two sides are discussing. Russia and Myanmar are talking about building an oil refinery in Myanmar. They are also discussing how to find and produce oil and natural gas, including in waters off Myanmar's coast.

Putin also mentioned that Russia could supply Myanmar with liquefied natural gas, which is natural gas that has been cooled into a liquid so it can be shipped more easily. Some of that gas could even be sent onward to other countries. This could make Myanmar an important stop in a larger energy network.

Min Aung Hlaing used to be a general in Myanmar's military. He is the target of many sanctions — penalties from Western countries that limit what he and Myanmar can do in global trade and banking. He became president after a vote in parliament that followed an election run mostly by an army-supported party, with little real competition allowed.

Russia and China both support Myanmar's military government. Russia has been growing its defense partnership with Myanmar and is also looking for ways for Russian energy companies to do business there. This friendship gives Myanmar support at a time when much of the world has turned against its leaders.

Myanmar has been dealing with serious unrest since 2021. That year, the military removed Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi from power. Her removal set off a civil war that has caused great suffering for the people of Myanmar.

This was not Min Aung Hlaing's first visit to Russia. He and Putin met at the Kremlin last year as well. That visit was notable because Min Aung Hlaing brought Putin a gift of six elephants, and the two countries agreed that Russia's nuclear power company would build a small nuclear plant in Myanmar.