NAYPYIDAW — Feb. 26, 2026 — Myanmar and Russia have agreed to significantly strengthen bilateral ties in space technology, with high-level discussions centering on the potential launch of a national satellite to serve Myanmar's public and national interests.

Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, met with Mr. Dmitry V. Bakanov, Director General of Russia’s Federal Space Corporation (Roscosmos), on Thursday in the capital city of Naypyidaw.

According to an official government press release, the talks focused on expanding direct cooperation between Roscosmos and the Myanmar Space Agency. The two leaders discussed advancing Myanmar's utilization of space technology, improving satellite communications, and implementing robust plans for human resource development within the sector.

A key element of the dialogue was the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. To ensure the long-term growth of Myanmar's aerospace capabilities, both parties exchanged views on continuing to send Myanmar scholars and trainees to Russia to acquire advanced knowledge in aerospace engineering and satellite technology.

The leaders also highlighted recent successful upgrades to the Space Museum in Yangon, noting that the facility has drawn significant interest and active engagement from the country's youth. Both sides emphasized the importance of fostering aerospace awareness among the younger generation.

A Growing Aerospace Partnership

Thursday’s meeting builds upon several years of deepening technological and scientific collaboration between Naypyidaw and Moscow. The aerospace partnership gained significant momentum in September 2022, when Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Amur region. During that milestone visit, he toured the Angara and Soyuz-2 rocket assembly complexes and initiated talks with Roscosmos leadership regarding technological assistance and satellite manufacturing.

Since then, the two nations have steadily integrated their aerospace development efforts. Myanmar engineers have actively participated in specialized training programs in Russia—such as those at Samara University—focusing on nanosatellite design, space mission analysis, and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). This collaboration was further cemented in September 2025 during another high-level visit to Russia, which resulted in formal agreements on civilian nuclear energy and outer space cooperation.

The meeting in Naypyidaw was attended by senior officials from both nations. Joining the Acting President were State Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo, and other relevant officials. The Russian delegation included the Russian Ambassador to Myanmar, H.E. Iskander Azizov, the Deputy Director General of Roscosmos, and accompanying delegates.

Reported by knl/ymg

Yangon — February 25, 2026

The United States and Myanmar have formalized a new trade agreement for the procurement of American soybean meal, marking a significant step in strengthening agricultural ties between the two nations, according to an official statement from the U.S. Embassy in Yangon.

The agreement was signed during a formal ceremony held on February 24 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional office in Bangkok, Thailand. The move is expected to bolster Myanmar’s livestock sector while expanding the market reach for American agricultural exports within the Southeast Asian region.

High-level representatives from both sides attended the signing, including U Ye Min Aung, who serves as both the Vice President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and the President of the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF). His presence underscores the importance of the deal for Myanmar's broader industrial and agricultural landscape.

The U.S. Embassy expressed its support for the initiative, noting that witnessing the agreement between U.S. exporters and Myanmar buyers is a positive development for regional trade volumes.

The embassy’s statement highlighted that such partnerships provide a dual benefit: they create vital new markets for American farmers and simultaneously reinforce robust supply chains and long-term economic connections across the region.

By facilitating these trade arrangements, both countries aim to foster economic growth and create fresh opportunities for producers and buyers alike.

Beyond the immediate trade of soybean meal, sources close to the negotiations indicate that U.S. investors are increasingly exploring further investment opportunities within Myanmar’s agricultural and livestock production sectors.

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NAYPYIDAW, Feb 23 — The first regular sessions of the Third Hluttaw (Myanmar’s bicameral legislature and regional parliaments) are officially set to commence in mid-March 2026, according to recent government announcements.

Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat issued a notification convening the first regular session of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives). The session will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Meanwhile, U Aung Lin Dway, Chief Executive of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC), announced the convening of the remaining parliamentary bodies. The first regular session of the Third Amyotha Hluttaw (House of Nationalities) will commence at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Following this, the first regular sessions of the Third Region and State Hluttaws will begin on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The respective parliamentary offices have also issued official reporting directives for incoming representatives to prepare for the upcoming sessions.

Pyithu Hluttaw representatives are required to report to the parliamentary office no earlier than March 10 and no later than March 11, 2026. Similarly, the Amyotha Hluttaw Office has instructed its representatives to report between March 12 and March 13, 2026. Elected representatives for the Region and State Hluttaws must report to their respective parliament offices between March 14 and March 15, 2026.

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar — February 20, 2026

A Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) passenger plane preparing to depart from Myitkyina Airport in Kachin State to Mandalay was attacked on the night of February 20. According to a statement released by the government's information team, the attack was carried out by a coalition of Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People's Defense Force (PDF) insurgent groups using First-Person View (FPV) suicide drones.

The drone strike caused minor shrapnel damage to the nose, mid-fuselage, and tail sections of the ATR-72-600 commercial aircraft. Security forces promptly intervened, evacuating passengers and crew members to safety and providing necessary emergency assistance. Authorities confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries among the travelers and airline staff.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:12 p.m. on Friday. The aircraft was actively boarding passengers and finalizing preparations for its scheduled departure to Mandalay when the KIA and PDF coalition launched the FPV suicide drone attack.

The official press release emphasized that the intentional targeting of a civilian airline—an entity entirely unrelated to military operations and essential for public transportation and the efficient flow of goods—constitutes a War Crime under the Geneva Conventions and international law.

Relevant authorities issued a strong warning that security forces are currently conducting necessary area clearance and security operations, adding that an effective and severe response will be carried out in retaliation for the attack.

(Reporting by knl/ymg)

Published_18 Feb 2026

The Tatmadaw Information Team announced that BNRA leader Bo Naga, along with his family members and assorted weapons, returned to the legal fold today, February 18

According to the statement, Nai Lin (aka Naga), the leader of the so-called BNRA group, and his family members approached a Tatmadaw security camp conducting territorial security operations in Pale Township, Sagaing Region. Bringing six assorted weapons and related equipment, they reported to the camp and entered the legal framework.

Officials from the local security command headquarters warmly welcomed Nai Lin (aka Naga) and his family. It is reported that they were provided with necessary support, medical assistance, and administrative arrangements to ensure a smooth transition, and that required verification processes will continue in accordance with established procedures.

Yangon_Times/PP.

NAY PYI TAW, February 17, 2026 — A significant portion of the Thanlwin Bridge (Hpasawng), a vital infrastructure link in Kayah State, was destroyed this morning following a mine explosion attributed to insurgent groups.

According to official reports released today, members of the KNPP, KNDF, and PDF groups detonated mines on the bridge at approximately 7:20 AM. The attack occurred in Mese Township, just west of Hpasawng Town, specifically located between mileposts 0/3 and 0/4 on the Hpasawng-Mese-BP(13) road.

Strategic Disruption

Authorities state that the destruction of the bridge was a tactical move intended to hinder security operations. The report indicates that Tatmadaw columns had recently recaptured and re-established control over Hpasawng Town. The insurgents allegedly blew up the bridge to prevent these military columns from continuing their security duties and pursuing the retreating groups.

Damage Assessment

The blast caused severe structural damage to the reinforced concrete facility. A section measuring approximately 250 feet long and 24 feet wide collapsed from the western abutment of the 1,260-foot-long bridge. Despite the severity of the collapse, officials confirmed that there were no human casualties reported in the incident.

Impact on Civilians and Response

The destruction has halted all pedestrian and vehicular traffic, effectively severing a key route used by the public for transportation and the flow of goods. The report condemned the act, stating that the bridge was a non-military target and crucial for the region's socio-economic well-being.

Officials from the Department of Roads and Bridges have announced plans to repair the damage as quickly as possible to restore connectivity. Meanwhile, security forces are intensifying operations in the area to ensure regional stability.

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