The head of Myanmar’s military government is traveling to Russia, a major ally of the Southeast Asian nation shunned by much of the West for overthrowing a democratically elected government and subsequent brutal repression.

In this image provided by The Myanmar Military True News Information Team, Myanmar's military leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing waves as he departs from Naypyidaw international airport, Myanmar to Russia Monday,

The document was signed by the head of the Russian ministry, Maxim Reshetnikov, and Myanmar's minister for investment and foreign economic relations, Kan Zaw, during a visit of a Russian delegation to

Sanctions are, according to research, effective less than 10% of the time if success is defined as the complete compliance of a sanctioned regime with the imposed external pressure. Taking a more lenient view,

Sanctions drive nations towards building domestic industries to replace imported goods and strengthening alliances with supportive countries.

Facing Western sanctions and opprobrium, Naypyidaw and Moscow have strengthened their cooperation in both the economic and security spheres.

Myanmar junta signs deal with Russia to kickstart stalled Dawei SEZ project with construction of deep-sea port, power plant and oil refinery in conflict-hit Tanintharyi Region.

President Vladimir Putin has officially invited Myanmar’s regime to discussions to boost bilateral cooperation.

Despite a frantic conscription drive at home, the Myanmar junta hopes to earn valuta by sending 10,000 workers to short-handed Russia.

As ethnic forces gain ground against a Myanmar junta controlling less than half the country, Western powers have a chance to aid freedom and limit Russia and China’s influence.

BANGKOK (AP) — The head of Myanmar’s military government traveled to Russia on Monday on an official visit to a major ally of the Southeast Asian nation that has been shunned by much of the West for overthrowing a democratically elected government and subsequent brutal repression.

Russia, along with China, is a major supporter and arms supplier of Myanmar’s military government. Russian-made fighter jets are used in attacks on territory under the control of ethnic minority groups,