PUTIN TO MEET MYANMAR LEADER MIN AUNG HLAING IN MOSCOW

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing on Tuesday for talks on economic and security cooperation. The meeting follows a five-year military cooperation agreement signed between Russia and Myanmar in February. Min Aung Hlaing seeks supplies of fertiliser, oil and weapons to support his country's economy and military operations.

Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself president following an election won by military-backed proxy parties, a transition from his previous role as head of the Myanmar armed forces. He faces criticism from Western nations over his role in a 2021 coup and his position as army chief during military operations against the Rohingya Muslim minority. Analysts have characterised Russia's military partnership with Myanmar as crucial to sustaining the military government's hold on power as it contends with insurgencies on multiple fronts.

Moscow's willingness to engage with Min Aung Hlaing reflects a broader pattern of international outreach. He has established closer ties with Beijing, New Delhi and Bangkok in recent months, marking a shift from his status as a pariah to Western governments. The talks represent an expansion of Russia's security cooperation with Myanmar beyond the existing five-year military agreement.