The US has issued a stern warning, declaring Russia’s support for Myanmar’s military leadership as both unacceptable and destabilizing.
Myanmar has received the first shipment of two Russian Su-30 fighter jets, Charlie Than, Myanmar’s trade minister, disclosed to the Russian RIA state news agency in comments published on Sunday (10th September).
‘Two aircraft have been successfully delivered,’ Than informed RIA while attending the Eastern Economic Forum, Russia’s annual event promoting regional economic collaboration and foreign investment, which commenced in the port city of Vladivostok.
In September 2022, Russia and Myanmar signed an agreement for the supply of six Su-30SME fighter jets, according to RIA.
As per Rosoboronexport, The Sukhoi Su-30SME multi-role fighter jet is planned for enemy aerial targets assignation, aerial investigation, combat employment, and pilot training.
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Furthermore, in a separate statement to the Russian TASS state news agency, Than showed that several bilateral agreements, including ones related to the advancement of tourism collaboration between the two countries, are set to be formally signed during the East Economic Forum.
Myanmar–Russia relations
Diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Russia have been established. Myanmar maintains an embassy in Moscow and Russia having an embassy in Yangon. These ties date back to the days of the USSR, which initiated diplomatic relations with Myanmar upon its independence in 1948. These relations have persisted through Russia to the present day.
In 2007, Russia, in conjunction with China, utilized its veto power at the U.N. Security Council to block a resolution condemning alleged human rights violations and atrocities attributed to the Myanmar government.
As of August 2022, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov characterized Myanmar as a friendly and enduring partner in international affairs.
A notable meeting occurred on September 7, 2022, when Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin during an economic gathering in eastern Russia. This encounter marked their first meeting since the 2021 Myanmar coup d’état.
In a significant development on August 11, 2023, Myanmar Airways announced plans to initiate direct flights to the Russian city of Novosibirsk, indicating a growing interest in enhancing connectivity and relations between the two countries.
Russia faces challenges in partnering with Myanmar
Russia faces certain constraints in establishing a partnership with Myanmar. The imposition of sanctions and challenges related to dollar transactions complicate trade relations. Additionally, in the energy sector, Myanmar’s ability to pay sufficiently for Russian oil and gas poses profitability concerns for Russian companies.
Nonetheless, Russia has an opportunity to expand its limited presence in Southeast Asia. Presently, Moscow’s strongest regional ties are with Vietnam alone.
From Myanmar’s perspective, Russia appears to be a less intrusive partner compared to China. Russia’s sphere of influence is distant, and it does not present the same concerns of potential invasion or internal interference as China does.
Russian arms driving Myanmar’s civil war
Although Russia lacks substantial economic investments in Myanmar and cannot compete with China in this regard, it plays a pivotal role as a major arms supplier to the Myanmar military.
Russia provides the junta with an array of military hardware, including Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile systems, Orlan-10E surveillance drones, radar technology, M-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, Su-30 fighter jets, and anti-aircraft missile systems. Notably, The Moscow Times has disclosed that Russia conducted arms deals with Myanmar, amounting to $14.7 million (€13.6 million) worth of radar equipment in February 2021, and an additional $96 million in undisclosed goods three months prior.
These Russian weapons are actively deployed by the junta in their conflict against various resistance factions, with particular emphasis on the effectiveness of Mi-35 helicopters and Yak-130 combat training aircraft in safeguarding military outposts.
Additionally, the Tatmadaw seeks to modernize its forces by acquiring anti-drone systems, a probable future procurement from Russia. The proceeds generated from these arms sales are also expected to contribute to Russia’s budget for its ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
US warns Russia’s support in Myanmar ‘Destablizing’
The United States has issued a stern warning, declaring Russia’s support for Myanmar’s military leadership as both unacceptable and destabilizing. The provision of weaponry by Russia has been identified as a contributing factor to the ongoing conflict, which has turned into a humanitarian disaster in Myanmar.
Furthermore, Russia’s defense minister and chief diplomat have made official visits to Myanmar, while the head of the junta, Min Aung Hlaing, has made multiple trips to Russia since 2021 and received an honorary doctorate during one of his visits. Russia’s decision to sell Su-30 fighter jets to Myanmar Junta is controversial to its neighbors as well.
