Russia seeks stronger military ties with Myanmar amid international condemnation over coup

Russian state media said deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin called Myanmar a reliable ally and strategic partner of Russia in Asia

Fomin met junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Friday, a visit that came a day ahead of a parade to mark Myanmar’s prestigious Armed Forces Day

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Anti-coup protesters stand near a defaced image of military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Mandalay. Photo: AP

Published: 10:02pm, 26 Mar 2021Updated: 3:42am, 27 Mar 2021

Russia wants to strengthen military ties with Myanmar, its state media reported on Friday, after a meeting between top defence officials and a junta condemned by Western countries for killing hundreds of civilian protesters.

Russia’s deputy defence minister, Alexander Fomin, on Friday met junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in a February 1 coup that triggered weeks of nationwide protests and a lethal response by security forces.

In Naypyidaw, Fomin said Myanmar was a reliable ally and strategic partner of Russia in Asia, state-run TASS said, during a visit that came a day ahead of a big parade to mark Myanmar’s Armed Forces Day, the military’s most prestigious event.

Armed security forces seen in Taunggyi, Myanmar’s Shan state, during a crackdown on anti-coup protests. Photo: Handout/Facebook/AFP

In a video shown on the Russian Defence Ministry’s Zvezda TV, Fomin is seen shaking hands and receiving a medal and a ceremonial sword from Min Aung Hlaing in a meeting room full of military officers in green uniforms.

“You, distinguished Senior General, took part in our parade last year, our parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War,” TASS quoted Fomin as telling the junta leader, referring to World War II. “And this visit of ours – it’s a response to yours.”

The visit is the firmest sign yet of Russia’s support for the new military rulers in Myanmar, amid outrage in the West and deep concern among its Asian neighbours, some of which have condemned the violence against civilians and urged the restoration of Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government.

The United States, Britain, Australia and the European Union have imposed sanctions on the ruling military council and the army’s vast network of businesses.