Russian navy ships in Myanmar for joint drills

A group of Russian navy ships has docked in conflict-ridden Myanmar to participate in joint maritime exercises with the military junta's navy, Myanmar state media reported on Monday.

Four corvettes and a logistics vessel from Russia's Pacific Fleet arrived at Thilawa port in Yangon on Sunday. They are set to take part in the second Myanmar-Russia joint maritime security exercise, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar. The ships will carry out "harbour phase" drills, though further details were not provided.

On Sunday, Myanmar’s junta also announced a live-fire maritime security exercise in the northern Andaman Sea from October 20 to 24. The military warned fishing vessels and aircraft to avoid the area but did not confirm whether Russian ships would participate in the drill.

The Myanmar and Russian navies had previously conducted a joint exercise in the Andaman Sea in November of last year.

Russia, alongside China, remains a key ally of Myanmar's junta, providing both arms and diplomatic support as the military struggles to suppress widespread armed resistance. With its ground forces under pressure, the junta has increasingly turned to its air force, which includes Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30s, MiG-29s, and Yak planes.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has visited Russia several times since orchestrating the 2021 coup, even meeting President Vladimir Putin in 2022. Russia has expressed support for the junta's plans for elections, while Myanmar has backed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it "justified."

The US, however, has dismissed any elections held by the junta as a "sham." Analysts warn such polls could provoke more violence as opposition forces remain determined to resist military rule. Despite this, China, another key ally, has signaled its support for the junta’s election plans. Min Aung Hlaing is expected to visit China in November, in what would be his first known trip there since the coup.

Source: AFP