Myanmar Spring Chronicle – View from September 25

(MoeMaKa, September 26, 2025)

The coup leader’s trip to Russia

The Myanmar coup leader left the country on September 24 to attend the World Nuclear Forum 2025 in Moscow. This comes as Western Europe continues to allege that Russian unmanned drones have violated the airspace of several countries, even as the Russian Federation hosts the forum.

Given that the junta has been pushing to build a small nuclear power plant, it’s unsurprising he gladly accepted Russia’s invitation. But for a country mired in economic decline and a nationwide civil war, the idea of constructing a nuclear power station—something that requires security and stability—is hard for many to understand. It appears more like a propaganda project aimed at spreading the junta’s narrative.

While armed conflict is widespread and the territory under junta control is increasingly limited, the regime is dreaming of a nuclear plant. Even Southeast Asian neighbors without civil wars and with stronger economies are not pursuing nuclear power, yet Myanmar is—apparently to strengthen ties with Russia, to grandstand among neighbors, and for other such motives.

To meet electricity needs, Myanmar should more realistically expand natural-gas plants, hydropower, and solar. But international sanctions and war have damaged the power system and reduced supply.

Throughout 2025, the coup leader has seized diplomatic invitations to travel frequently.

He has visited Russia multiple times this year and met President Putin. He also attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting and China’s 80th Anniversary Victory over Fascism military events, meeting the Indian prime minister and China’s president—appearances the junta touts as diplomatic prestige.

Meetings with Russia and China also provide chances to purchase or exchange arms. The junta can acquire drones, related technologies, and munitions from Russia and China, and obtain certain military technologies and components from India. One BBC Burmese report said a recent agreement provides that Russia will assist in building a nuclear power plant, while Myanmar will export munitions made in its state arms factories to Russia—interpreted as supplying items like artillery shells needed for the war in Ukraine.

Toward China and India, the junta appears focused on buying drones, drone technologies, and anti-jamming / electronic warfare capabilities. After suffering heavy drone attacks in 2023 and early 2024, the regime has, since mid-2024, worked to bolster drone equipment, training, and munitions. In this year’s battles and offensives, the junta’s expanded drone use has measurably affected outcomes.

In short, the coup leader’s foreign trips are not only about diplomatic recognition; they also aim to secure technology and munitions needed for the ongoing war.