From Russia With Love: How Moscow Is Arming and Enabling Myanmar’s Junta

As we approach Myanmar’s sham election, which junta-aligned parties will contest in the absence of any genuine democratic opposition, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is relying on a network of international partners to sustain his rule.

The regime continues to maintain strong ties with China and Russia, as well as Belarus, and a handful of sympathetic Southeast Asian nations. Notably, North Korea remains an admired ally, with Myanmar reportedly continuing to procure arms from the country; the US recently sanctioned three Myanmar businessmen and one North Korean in response.

These alliances have enabled the regime to endure extensive international sanctions and diplomatic isolation. By leveraging these relationships, the junta secures crucial economic resources, military assistance and political support, which reinforce its hold on power despite significant domestic opposition. Such connections complicate efforts by the international community to encourage Myanmar’s transition toward genuine democratic reform. Min Aung Hlaing is not interested in moving Myanmar toward democracy, as he has repeatedly claimed in speeches.