Myanmar Junta Leader Attends Russia’s WWII Parade Amid Deepening Moscow Ties
Myanmar’s junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is attending Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow today, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany.
According to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Russia on Wednesday, accompanied by Foreign Minister Than Swe and top military officials. He is participating in the Red Square event at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other international leaders during his visit.
The report also noted that the Myanmar delegation aims to bolster “strategic cooperation” with Russia across political, economic, and security sectors. A Myanmar military unit is set to join the ceremonial parade, which features troops from 13 foreign nations including China, Egypt, and Vietnam.
Min Aung Hlaing is among 29 foreign leaders attending the event, alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This visit marks his fifth trip to Russia since seizing power in the February 2021 coup and underscores the tightening alliance between Moscow and Naypyidaw as both regimes face increasing isolation from the West.
Speculation has swirled over whether Min Aung Hlaing will meet President Xi in Moscow. While no formal talks have been announced, the junta leader may use the visit to express gratitude for China’s recent earthquake aid and possibly discuss Beijing’s involvement in Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict.
In recent months, China has played a more direct role in Myanmar’s internal affairs. It pressured ethnic armed groups in Shan State—bordering China—to withdraw from strategic areas and has deployed a ceasefire monitoring team in Lashio, a city reclaimed by Myanmar’s military after intense clashes.
Min Aung Hlaing’s trip signals Myanmar’s continued reliance on Russia and China for diplomatic support, military cooperation, and strategic legitimacy amid widespread international condemnation and sanctions.
