MOSCOW, May 9, 2026 – Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Malaysia’s Supreme Ruler, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, at the Kremlin today during Russia’s Victory Day commemorations marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.
The meeting followed Sultan Ibrahim’s historic appearance as the first Malaysian head of state invited as a Guest of Honour to Russia’s military parade on Red Square. He joined other leaders including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith.
During bilateral talks, Putin and the Malaysian monarch reviewed the state of Russia-Malaysia relations, which both sides described as developing positively. Putin referred to Malaysia as a “long-standing, very reliable and significant partner.” The leaders noted that 2027 will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Sultan Ibrahim extended an official invitation for President Putin to pay a state visit to Malaysia in 2027. The King had previously met Putin in St. Petersburg in January 2026.
The visit underscores Russia’s ongoing push to deepen ties with countries in Asia and the Global South amid Western sanctions. Malaysia has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict while expanding economic and diplomatic engagement with Moscow. The Southeast Asian nation is also exploring alternative energy sources as regional tensions affect global fuel supplies.
Footage released by Russian state media showed the leaders exchanging a formal handshake in front of Russian and Malaysian flags before sitting down for discussions.
Malaysian media outlets described the invitation to Victory Day as a high honour reflecting the strength of bilateral relations. Sultan Ibrahim arrived in Moscow on May 7 at Putin’s personal invitation.
No specific agreements were announced immediately after the meeting, but officials from both sides indicated continued cooperation in trade, energy, and multilateral forums is expected to grow in the coming year.
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