Myanmar Commander-in-Chief, Key Figure in Coup, Visits Russia

Immediately After the UN General Assembly's 'Arms Embargo' Resolution

Min Aung Hlaing Myanmar Military Commander-in-Chief
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief and key figure behind the Myanmar coup, has reportedly made a sudden visit to Russia, drawing attention to the background of this trip.

Major foreign media outlets reported on the 20th (local time), citing Myanmar military's broadcasting media, that "Commander-in-Chief Hlaing has departed to attend the International Security Conference held in Moscow, Russia."

This is the second overseas visit by Commander-in-Chief Hlaing since the coup, following the ASEAN special summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia, last April.

This visit is particularly notable as it took place immediately after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a 'weapon embargo' resolution against Myanmar. Russia is Myanmar's second-largest arms supplier after China.

On the 18th (local time), the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning the Myanmar military coup and called for blocking the inflow of weapons.

In response, the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement the next day, strongly asserting, "We will not accept any attempts to infringe on sovereignty or interfere in internal affairs."