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

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.

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.

“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.