Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Myanmar’s junta chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, to attend Russia’s Independence Day parade. The invitation was extended during Hlaing’s visit to Moscow on March 4, where he met with Putin at the Kremlin, according to TASS news agency.
The Victory Day parade will take place on May 9 in Moscow, celebrating Russia’s 80th Independence Day.
During the visit, General Hlaing gifted an elephant to President Putin. Recently, Myanmar purchased six fighter jets from Russia. Political analysts have described this gesture as part of a broader “elephant diplomacy” between the two nations.
Additionally, Hlaing signed an agreement to build a nuclear power plant in Myanmar. The project will be funded and managed by Russia’s state-owned nuclear power company, Rosatom. The plant is expected to have a production capacity of 100 megawatts, with Rosatom overseeing its operations post-construction.
Russia and Myanmar first signed a bilateral agreement in 2000 to boost investment and trade. During the meeting, Putin highlighted that 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of their friendship, emphasizing the growing strength of their bilateral relations.
Putin noted that trade between the two countries increased by 50% in 2024. He thanked Hlaing for the gift, mentioning that the elephants have already been moved to the Moscow Zoo.
China and Russia are considered Myanmar’s two biggest military allies. Following Myanmar’s 2021 coup, in which the military ousted the democratic government of Aung San Suu Kyi, Moscow showed support for the junta. A significant portion of Myanmar’s military arsenal is supplied by Russia.
Putin also extended an invitation to Myanmar’s military to participate in the upcoming military parade in Moscow on May 9.