Min Aung Hlaing Named Honorary Professor by Russian University

Min Aung Hlaing Named Honorary Professor by Russian University

MOSCOW — Aug. 20, 2026: Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing has been awarded the title of “Honorary Professor” by Russia’s Plekhanov Russian University of Economics during his visit to Moscow, according to The Irrawaddy.

The honorary title was presented to Min Aung Hlaing in person on Wednesday, Aug. 19, during his visit to Russia, marking the third honorary academic distinction he has received from a Russian university or research institution since seizing power in Myanmar’s 2021 military coup.

His previous honours included an honorary doctorate from the Military University of the Russian Defence Ministry in 2021 and an honorary degree from the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2023.

During his Moscow visit, Min Aung Hlaing also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

Plekhanov University separately signed a memorandum of understanding with Myanmar’s space agency, covering cooperation in education and scientific research.

The agreement includes plans for student and faculty exchanges, joint academic programmes and research in areas including space positioning technology, data analysis, information technology, engineering and cybersecurity.

The latest academic honour comes as Moscow and Myanmar’s military leadership continue to deepen political, economic, educational and technological ties following the 2021 coup.