On Tuesday, the head of Myanmar’s military Junta Min Aung Hlaing met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. During the meeting, the leader expressed Myanmar’s full support to Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine asserting that he is confident in Moscow’s victory. He also went on to stress that he believes the West instigated the current conflict.
The comments by the Myanmar head were made at a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Myanmar’s military government. Myanmar is looking to cement cooperation with Moscow as it faces isolation and sanctions from the West.
Myanmar’s General Min Aung Hlaing was on his fourth trip to Russia since his army seized power in February 2021 from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. In response Western nations have imposed economic and political sanctions as civil conflicts continue to rage in the region.
At the start of the Kremlin talks, Putin noted growing bilateral trade and close cooperation in the international arena. Russia, along with China, is a major supporter and arms supplier to Myanmar. Russian-made fighter jets are used in attacks on territory under control of armed anti Junta groups.
According to Min Aung Hlaing, the world is moving toward a multipolar order, led by Russia, while the Ukraine crisis has unfolded as a direct result of Western countries’ efforts to resist this shift. He said, “I am confident that every country must defend itself, its sovereignty, its people, and its interests,” Myanmar’s leader said. “We understand Russia’s situation, and we fully support it in its special operation in Ukraine. And I am certain – I can say this: victory will be yours soon.”
Binding Ties
The two countries have not only agreed to boost economic ties but also signed a deal on the construction of a small-scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar. Russian state nuclear energy giant Rosatom said the plant will have an initial capacity of 100 megawatts, with the potential for future expansion. The Russian president also announced that a military contingent from Myanmar will participate in the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The intensifying relationship between Myanmar and Russia is not new. Rather, it has its roots in a common problem that is the West.
Russia has been supporting Myanmar, particularly in the industrial and economic sectors, and has also expressed support for improving the internal situation in Myanmar. The joint statement emphasized the two countries’ stronger collaboration, which aims to boost trade and investment. Last year, bilateral trade went up over 40%, totaling around $2 billion USD. As President Vladimir Putin stated, both countries are eager to expand mutual trade and collaborate in the fields of loans and finance. During his meeting with Min Aung Hlaing, Putin noted that relations between Russia and Myanmar are “indeed developing steadily.”
Since the military Junta seized power in Myanmar after a coup on February 1 2021, and Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 2022, the two countries have entered into a much tighter embrace. Myanmar immediately endorsed Russia’s stance on Ukraine and is the only ASEAN member state to do so.
In the face of international disapprobation and Western sanctions, Myanmar and Russia have forged closer diplomatic and political ties and moved to deepen military and economic cooperation. Russia has tried to maintain its global presence by forging good relations with like-minded nations.
Following the escalation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine General Zaw Min Tun, a representative of Myanmar’s military authorities, stated that Russia was “taking necessary actions to preserve and strengthen its own state sovereignty” and, as a great power, was “ensuring a balance of global forces that helps maintain peace worldwide.” The Southeast Asian nation has since refused to back Western sanctions on Russia. Myanmar has its own interests in military equipment, economic integration and diplomatic backing, which Russia can easily provide.
Nearly three years after the coup, Myanmar has become Russia’s second most important Southeast Asian country, after only Vietnam. Although China is Myanmar’s largest source of commerce and investment, the junta prefers Russia as a major, powerful partner. More importantly, Russia was the only major country to recognize the Tatmadaw’s 2021 power grab, whereas Myanmar was the only ASEAN member state to support Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and provide military supplies to Russia’s armed forces.
The mutual requirements and hate against Western sanctions have pushed Russia and Myanmar to have cordial relations. The endorsement from Myanmar shows that Russia, under the leadership of Putin, has not been isolated as the Western powers claim. Infact he is busy forging and deepening Moscow’s long standing alliances as Russia continues to assert and defy Western pressures. In this regard Putin is a cornerstone around which many nations like Myanmar can continue to operate and function despite Western sanctions.
