Putin has ‘breathing room’ for Myanmar to get Russian arms amid isolation

Name: Myanmar’s military government lost direct control over 86% of its territory after months of fighting
Uploaded: 2025-03-07T08:00:16.000Z
Duration: 9 min 33 s
Description: Myanmar’s military government lost direct control over 86% of its territory after months of fighting

A visit to Russia by General Min Aung Hlaing aimed to enhance Moscow’s influence in Southeast Asia underscored the junta’s need for diplomatic recognition

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Myanmar’s military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing shake hands after their meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, on March 4, 2025. Photo: Pool/EPA-EFE/AP

Maria Siow

Published: 4:00pm, 7 Mar 2025Updated: 6:59pm, 7 Mar 2025

Myanmar’s growing isolation in Southeast Asia was underscored by a visit by its military ruler to Russia this week, with observers noting the move also marked a chance for Moscow to build its influence in the region.

Myanmar’s junta was believed to have requested additional arms from Russia, including drone technology.

President Vladimir Putin held talks on Tuesday with General Min Aung Hlaing, who was on his fourth trip to Russia since his army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

Myanmar’s junta, facing isolation along with economic and political sanctions from the West, had violently suppressed opposition and was currently dealing with armed conflict from various factions within the country.

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Myanmar’s military government lost direct control over 86% of its territory after months of fighting

“The relations between our countries are steadily developing,” Putin told Min Aung Hlaing in a televised meeting at the Kremlin, adding that the two sides had great potential in growing trade ties.