An advisory group of political parties and civil society organizations opposed to Myanmar’s military junta have condemned the Russian government’s political support and continued sale of weapons to the regime.
The statement compared Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine to the mass killings and atrocities in Myanmar that followed the junta’s seizure of power in a Feb. 1, 2021, coup d’etat.
“Russia blatantly supporting and advocating for the terrorist regime is prolonging the sufferings of the people of Myanmar,” the June 10 statement from the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) said. “The support and advocacy for the terrorist regime by Russia is not to solve Myanmar’s political issues but only to further Russia’s geopolitical interest.”
The NUCC includes representatives of the National Unity Government, or NUG, civil society groups, ethnic armed organizations and civil disobedience groups. The NUG is the parallel civilian government of Myanmar made up of opponents to the junta.
Since the coup, junta chief Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has visited Russia three times, purchasing modern Russian-made jet fighters, helicopters and military equipment. The two countries have also signed an agreement to build a small-scale nuclear reactor in Myanmar.
In February, Min Aung Hlaing wrote to Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he appreciates Russia’s support for Myanmar. The message was sent to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In a message sent in response, Putin said he believes the relationship between Russia and Myanmar’s junta will help the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
NUCC’s statement called for the immediate end of Russia’s support for the reactor project, saying it would create political instability for Myanmar and the region.
“The diplomatic and military support provided by Russia is the basis for the terrorist Min Aung Hlaing group to totally disregard the agreements developed within the ASEAN, and also creates difficulties for other nations to work on solving Myanmar’s political issues,” the statement said.
Russia cooperation likely to continue
Radio Free Asia called junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for his comment on the NUCC's statement, but his phone rang unanswered.
Simply condemning Russia, which apparently doesn’t even care about international sanctions, won’t work, said Aung Thu Nyein, a Thailand-based researcher of Myanmar issues.
Russia’s veto power at the U.N. Security Council, its military assistance and the recent visit to Myanmar of the Russian parliament’s deputy chairman show that cooperation with the junta will continue – with or without criticism, he said.
But NUCC’s statement needed to be made, and similar objections should also be made against China, political analyst Than Soe Naing said.
“NUCC needs to reveal and condemn Russia’s blatant support and assistance to the Myanmar military junta,” he said. “That is what it is supposed to do.”
Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.