Russia keeps Myanmar general Min Aung Hlaing at arm’s length: close enough to sell weapons but short of a full embrace

The Kremlin did not grant Min Aung Hlaing, the mastermind of Myanmar’s coup, the full diplomatic traditions accorded to heads of state during his visit

But experts say his reception was no snub. Russia appreciates a big-spending buyer of its military equipment and sees a chance to rattle the West

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Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:00pm, 26 Jun 2021Updated: 11:26pm, 29 Jun 2021

Supporters of Myanmar’s anti-coup movement this week have been scrutinising reports about Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Russia for tell-tale signs that even the Kremlin – one of the junta chief’s key backers – is uncertain about recognising him as the country’s legitimate leader.

Some social media commentators have suggested the absence of the salt-and-bread ceremony traditionally accorded to visiting foreign dignitaries was a sign the Russians were ever so subtly snubbing the general, rather than helping him to appear like a statesman after his February 1 coup.

The four-day visit was only his second trip overseas since he seized power from the democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD).

In April, he went to Jakarta for the special Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meeting that was called to discuss his coup, the ensuing violence and detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders.

Observers of the trip have seized on details gleaned from posts by Russian media and the senior general’s own social media.

Russia’s Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing meet in Moscow. Photo: EPA