INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A group of Russian warships arrived in Myanmar to join maritime exercises with the military junta's navy, state media in the Southeast
Asia country reported Monday.The Global New Light of Myanmar said four corvettes and a logistics vessel from Russia's Pacific Fleet
live-fire maritime security exercise in the waters of the north Andaman Sea between Oct
24.It warned fishing boats and aircraft not to travel around the area but did not say if any Russian ships or personnel were taking part in
Myanmar junta, providing arms and diplomatic support as Myanmar's military struggles to crush armed opposition to its rule.With its ground
troops under pressure, the junta is increasingly reliant on its air force, which includes Russian Sukhoi Su-30s, MiG-29s and Yak planes,
analysts say.Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has traveled to Russia several times since leading the 2021 coup, including for a meeting with
President Vladimir Putin in 2022.Russia has said it backs the generals' plan for new elections and the junta has in turn supported Russia's
analysts say polls would be targeted by the military's opponents and spark further bloodshed.In August, the junta's other major ally
China said it supported the military's plans for elections.Earlier this month, sources close to the military told AFP that Min Aung Hlaing
would travel to China in November in what would be his first known trip there since the coup.
