Russian security chief accuses West of trying to topple Myanmar leadership

Western countries are seeking to change the leadership in Myanmar and are sending military instructors there, said Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu in an interview with TASS.

“Behind the loud slogans about protecting the interests of ordinary people lie the cynical plans of Westerners to replace Myanmar’s leadership with so-called democratic leaders loyal to them,” he said following his working visit to Myanmar.

He stressed that Western nations "provide financial and logistical support to anti-government groups, send military instructors to them, and also establish logistics hubs in border areas."

Shoigu added that, in light of the above, he sees no reason to expect that Myanmar’s opponents will change their aggressive course toward the country and its people.

Since the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD), many Western countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union member states, Canada, and Australia — have expressed strong opposition to the military junta.

Western countries have imposed targeted sanctions on Myanmar’s military leaders, military-owned enterprises, and financial institutions, as well as restricting arms sales, high-level military visits, and any international aid programs that could benefit the junta. They have also provided financial and humanitarian support to civil society organisations, human rights groups, and internally displaced people, and have supported anti-junta initiatives, including the National Unity Government (NUG) — a shadow government formed by ousted elected officials.

Reports say some Western nations have provided training, advisory support, and non-lethal aid to local groups resisting the junta, and facilitated logistical support and safe-haven programs in neighbouring countries for activists, media personnel, and displaced communities. 

Multiple international organisations and Western governments have openly called for a return to democratic governance in Myanmar following the coup, condemning the detention of civilian leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi and urging respect for election results.

By Khagan Isayev