Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on Monday, where he addressed Russia’s war with Ukraine and acknowledged India and China’s role in finding pathways to a resolution.
Putin stressed the importance of resolving the ‘root cause’ of the conflict and called it a fair security balance. He emphasized Moscow’s position, stating that one of the causes of the ongoing conflict is the West’s attempts to drag Ukraine into NATO. He argued that the situation with Kyiv was triggered ‘as a result of coup d’état in Kyiv, supported by Ukraine’s Western allies’ rather than any ‘invasion’.
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The Russian leader said Moscow remains committed to the idea that no country should secure its safety at the expense of another. He further added that UN principles, including respect for sovereignty, are still “valid and unshakable today.”
Putin noted he “appreciates China and India’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.” He also referred to his recent Alaska meeting with US President Donald Trump, saying he had already discussed its outcomes with President Xi Jinping and other leaders at the summit. According to him, the agreements reached in Alaska with Trump “open the way to peace in Ukraine.”
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Later in the day, Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a bilateral. Ahead of the summit, both leaders shared a warm hug at the venue. PM Modi posted on X: “Always a delight to meet President Putin!” Another striking moment from the summit was an informal huddle between Modi, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the three leaders were seen chatting and laughing together.
