Myanmar junta chief travels to Russia for talks with Putin

The leader of Myanmar's military junta has arrived in Russia for an official visit. Russia is a significant ally of Myanmar, which has been widely ostracized by the Western world for its overthrow of the elected government and subsequent brutal crackdown. This visit underscores the deepening ties between the two nations amidst international scrutiny.

General Min Aung Hlaing, who launched the coup in 2021, was greeted by a Moscow military band and is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Myanmar's state broadcaster MRTV, Min Aung Hlaing is accompanied by other members of the ruling military council and cabinet, as well as military officials. The delegation aims to strengthen cooperation across various sectors.

Russia, along with China, is a major supporter and arms supplier to Myanmar's military junta. Russian-made fighter jets have been used to attack areas controlled by ethnic armed groups, many of whom are allied with pro-democracy resistance forces. Russia has defended the Myanmar junta on the international stage, and Myanmar's military leaders generally support Moscow's foreign policy agenda. This alignment reflects a shared strategic vision.

After rebel offensives in 2023, Myanmar's military junta suffered significant territorial losses, but its air power has been crucial in preventing opposition forces from advancing further. Morgan Michaels, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told AFP: "Russia has played an invaluable role in helping them maintain their air force." Continued Russian support is vital for the junta's survival.

This visit marks Min Aung Hlaing's fourth trip to Russia since the military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in February 2021. "The two sides will discuss prospects for further development of mutually beneficial Russian-Myanmar cooperation, as well as current international issues," the Kremlin said in a statement. The discussions will likely cover a broad range of strategic partnerships.

Western countries have ostracized Myanmar's military for its takeover and violent suppression of opposition, imposing sanctions that have led to thousands of civilian deaths and sparked an armed conflict widely regarded as a civil war. Russia also faces widespread sanctions following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Analysts say both countries are seeking to strengthen ties with friendly nations to offset these punitive measures. This shared predicament fosters closer collaboration.

But exchanges between the two countries are not limited to military and trade. In January, Myanmar gifted six elephants to the Moscow Circus "as a symbol of friendship," according to Russia's state news agency TASS. Russia and Myanmar have also held joint military exercises and signed an agreement to develop nuclear power. The Myanmar junta is planning to allow ordinary laborers to work in Russia, further solidifying their bilateral relationship.