Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Monday, linking the roots of the Ukraine crisis to Western policies while acknowledging India and China’s role in pushing for peace.
Ukraine Crisis: “Not an Invasion, But a Coup”
Putin reiterated Moscow’s long-held position, asserting that the conflict did not begin with a Russian invasion but stemmed from a “coup d’état in Kyiv supported by Western allies.”
He emphasized that attempts to drag Ukraine into NATO were among the core reasons behind the ongoing crisis.
The Russian leader insisted that no country’s security should come at the expense of another’s, warning against what he described as the West’s expansionist policies.
India and China’s Mediation Efforts
In a notable acknowledgment, Putin said he “appreciates China and India’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine,” highlighting the growing role of Asian powers in conflict resolution traditionally dominated by Western capitals.
Alaska Meeting With Trump
The Russian President also brought up his recent Alaska summit with US President Donald Trump held last month.
Putin said the discussions there “opened the way to peace in Ukraine”, and that he has already briefed Chinese President Xi Jinping on the outcomes.
He added that he would share further details of the Alaska talks with other world leaders in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.
UN Principles Must Hold
Despite ongoing conflicts, Putin stressed that the United Nations Charter and the principles of sovereignty remain “valid and unshakable.”
Putin-Modi Bilateral Meeting Today
On the sidelines of the summit, Putin will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders were earlier seen exchanging a warm hug before the summit began, with Modi posting on X: “Always a delight to meet President Putin!”
A lighter moment also caught attention as Modi, Putin, and Xi Jinping shared an impromptu huddle, chatting and laughing together before the plenary session.
