Russian Deputy Foreign Minister meets Myanmar military leader 

Myanmar coup leader General Ying Aung Hlaing met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko and discussed strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between the Military Council and Russia, including nuclear technology, state media controlled by the Military Council reported on Wednesday.

“Peaceful use of nuclear technology; The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported that they discussed more cooperation in hydropower generation and solar power generation in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday (February 20). In addition, tourism promotion, Cooperation in social and educational sectors as well. It is said that they discussed the supply of fertilizers to Myanmar and more cooperation between the two countries.

Analysts have concluded that since the Western countries have taken action against the Burmese military after the coup, the Military Council has been dealing closely with China and Russia as its main international partners. On the other hand, there were reports last month that Russia was repurchasing weapons from the Burmese military due to the need for weapons for the war against Ukraine.

The Burmese coup army has also declared Russia-Myanmar eternal partnership and has purchased a large number of Russian military weapons, including Mi-35 and Mi-17 fighter jets. According to international analysts, the export and sale of arms between the Myanmar military and Russia has been going on since the old Soviet era, and since the Myanmar military does not like Chinese weapons, it has become more dependent on Russia for arms purchases.

At the same time, the revolutionary forces who are fighting against the coup, Due to the conflict between the ethnic armed forces and the army of the military council, there are armed clashes all over the country. The United Nations has warned that the situation in Myanmar is in a state of crisis and two-thirds of the country is in conflict.