Myanmar’s Prime Minister, Min Aung Hlaing, has expressed full support for Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, stating that he is confident of a Russian victory. The statement was made during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, where Hlaing also emphasized that the conflict was instigated by the West.
According to Hlaing, the world is moving towards a multipolar order led by Russia, while the Ukraine crisis is a direct result of the efforts of Western nations to resist this development.
“I am convinced that every country must defend itself, its sovereignty, its people and its interests. We understand the situation in Russia and we support it fully in its special operation in Ukraine. And I am certain – I can say this – the victory will be yours soon” the Myanmar leader said.
Russia has repeatedly claimed that the Ukraine conflict was provoked by the expansion of NATO towards its borders. Following the escalation of the crisis in February 2022, General Zaw Min Tun, a representative of Myanmar’s military authorities, stated that Russia was taking necessary measures to preserve and strengthen its state sovereignty and as a great power, was ensuring a balance of global forces that contributes to the preservation of global peace.
Since then, the Southeast Asian country with a population of around 54 million has refused to support Western sanctions against Russia.
During the meeting with Hlaing, Putin noted that the relations between Russia and Myanmar were indeed developing and that bilateral trade had increased by 40 percent in the past year.
The two countries have agreed to intensify their economic ties and signed an agreement on the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar. The state-owned Russian nuclear energy company Rosatom announced that the plant would have an initial capacity of 100 megawatts, with the possibility of later expansion.
Putin also announced that a military contingent from Myanmar would participate in the parade on May 9 in Moscow, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.