Myanmar coup: Russia's support for junta 'destabilizing' region, says US official

A top US official said Russia’s continued support for Myanmar’s generals that seized power in a coup in 2021 threatens to destabilize Southeast Asia. The official noted the continued supply of weapons to the Myanmar military would only fuel further conflict in the country that has been in a state of unrest since the coup.

US State Department counselor Derek Chollet told Reuters on Thursday during his trip to southeast Asia that Russia’s support for the Myanmar junta was unacceptable and could risk destabilizing the entire region, not just Myanmar. This comes as the United States has expressed concerns over the wider impact of the coup that took place in 2021, ousting Myanmar’s civilian government, with Russia deepening its relations with the generals that seized power. Such deepening of relations could see Russia establishing military bases in the country, according to Chollet.

“Anyone who is talking to Moscow needs to tell them that their continued military support for the junta is unacceptable. It’s destabilizing,” said Chollet. “And it’s not only a problem for Myanmar, it’s a problem for this region.”

Myanmar has been in a state of unrest since the coup in 2021, with hundreds of civilians killed and thousands arrested by the military in an effort to crack down on dissent. The coup also led to sanctions from many countries, including the West.

Activists and United Nations experts have also condemned Russia and China for supplying weapons to the Myanmar military. The military has repeatedly been accused of committing atrocities against civilians, and the junta has sought to justify its actions by saying it was fighting “terrorists.” The Association for Southeast Asian Nations has also expressed frustration toward the lack of progress the junta has shown in complying with its peace plan that the generals agreed upon shortly after the coup.

“What I have seen over the last several years is a military relationship that is only growing,” said Chollet. “I’m more concerned right now about the supply of weapons going into Myanmar from Russia principally.”

Chollet said on Wednesday that Washington was set to announce further sanctions on the entities involved n the coup in the coming days. Chollet told reporters that the latest sanctions would make it hard for the junta to generate revenue. Chollet also went on to call on ASEAN to continue barring political representation from the junta at its meetings.

The bloc has already barred junta leaders from attending its high-level meetings but has ruled out ousting Myanmar from the 10-member grouping.