6/22/26, 2:24 PM Myanmar’s Military Is Turning to Russia to Revive Its Stalled Cyber Dream – The Diplomat term political and commercial partner in Southeast Asia. × Ad For the junta, Russia offers several advantages. Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis (and subsequent war), Russia has developed significant experience in operating under sanctions and technological restrictions. Myanmar’s military leadership increasingly views Russia as a model for building a partially insulated digital ecosystem capable of surviving Western pressure. Russian cooperation also fits the junta’s growing emphasis on “digital sovereignty” – a concept increasingly embraced by authoritarian governments seeking greater control over information flows, internet infrastructure, and online dissent. Since the coup, Myanmar’s authorities have attempted to expand surveillance capacities, tighten internet regulation, and https://thediplomat.com/2026/06/myanmars-military-is-turning-to-russia-to-revive-its-stalled-cyber-dream/ 8/13