A senior US official has deemed Russia's support for the military rulers in Myanmar unacceptable and destabilizing, as its arms supplies are fueling a conflict that has turned disastrous for the country.
US State Department adviser Derek Chollet told Reuters on Thursday that the United States is concerned about the broader impact of the escalating crisis in Myanmar since the 2021 coup and the strengthening of ties between the military council and Russia, which may seek to establish military bases in the country.
He stated, "Anyone who speaks to Moscow should tell them that continued military support for the military council is unacceptable. It is destabilizing." Chollet added, "This is not just a problem for Myanmar; it is a problem for this region."
Chollet noted that what he has observed over the past several years is an expanding military relationship, expressing concern about arms supplies to Myanmar primarily from Russia.
He mentioned that the Biden administration considers the crisis in Myanmar the "greatest threat" in Southeast Asia.
He also indicated that the United States supports the diplomatic efforts of Southeast Asian countries in Myanmar and is working with those nations to engage the democratic opposition. Chollet said, "We believe that other countries should do the same. They need to engage."
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup that ended a decade of fledgling democracy, with around 1.2 million people displaced due to fighting, according to the United Nations, as the military seeks to suppress resistance to its rule.
Since the coup, Russia has become Myanmar's closest ally as the West tightens sanctions against both countries.
