President Vladimir Putin of Russia praised the growing ties between his country and Myanmar during talks with Myanmar’s military junta chief on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for the gift of six elephants from Myanmar. This gift came at the same time as Russia’s completion of the delivery of six fighter jets to Myanmar, a development that analysts have dubbed part of “elephant diplomacy” between the two countries, both of which are viewed unfavorably by Western governments.
Myanmar has been in chaos since 2021 when the military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to a civil war.
Putin highlighted the 25th anniversary of the signing of the friendship declaration between Russia and Myanmar, emphasizing that bilateral relations have been steadily progressing, with trade increasing by 40 percent in the past year.
The two nations also signed an agreement for the construction of a small nuclear plant in Myanmar, with Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom indicating that the plant would initially have a capacity of 100 megawatts, with the potential to triple that capacity.
Putin further announced that a military unit from Myanmar would participate in the military parade in Moscow on May 9 to mark the 80th anniversary of the World War II victory over Nazi Germany. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military leader, is also expected to attend the event.
Russia continues to support Myanmar’s military government, with the two nations enhancing cooperation, including joint military efforts. Putin acknowledged the gift of six elephants that were received the previous year, stating they had been given to the Moscow Zoo.
Min Aung Hlaing, who rarely travels abroad, expressed his appreciation for Russian military equipment and voiced his support for Putin’s stance in the Ukraine war, anticipating a Russian victory.
Despite Myanmar facing widespread internal conflict, a struggling economy, and a population in need of aid, Russia has been one of the first countries to support the junta after its coup in 2021, which resulted in global condemnation due to the brutal crackdown on opposition.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin mentioned promising prospects for expanded cooperation in agriculture, nuclear energy, transport, and infrastructure, despite sanctions on both Russia and Myanmar. He also revealed that Russian companies are planning to invest in Myanmar’s special economic zone in Dawei, which is expected to be a major industrial, technological, and transportation hub.
The junta has plans to hold an election this year, but critics argue that it is a staged effort to maintain military control through proxies.
