Appreciate China and India's efforts to resolve Ukraine crisis, says Putin at SCO Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin at Shanghai Cooperation Council Members Session in Tianjin, China

Amid the ongoing war with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said he "appreciates China and India's efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine" at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China.

"I appreciate China and India's efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine," he said while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO) members session in Tianjin, China.

Putin reiterated Moscow’s position on the Ukraine conflict, stating that no nation should pursue its security at the cost of another. He blamed Western attempts to draw Ukraine into NATO as a key factor behind the crisis.

Emphasising the bloc’s growing influence, Putin said, “Dialogue within the SCO helps lay the foundation for a new Eurasian security system, replacing outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models.”

“The SCO is steadily increasing its influence in addressing international issues,” he added. Putin also highlighted growing economic cooperation within the group, noting that “national currencies are being used more widely in mutual settlements for trade among SCO countries.”

“The pace of development of cooperation within the SCO is impressive,” the Russian President said.

Ahead of the summit, Putin had reaffirmed cooperation between Russia and China.

Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping shared light moments ahead of the SCO Summit’s plenary session.

In an interview with Xinhua published on Saturday, Putin expressed his eagerness to hold a discussion with Xi on “all aspects” of Russia’s bilateral agenda.

“I look forward to in-depth discussions with President Xi Jinping on all aspects of our bilateral agenda, including political and security cooperation, as well as economic, cultural and humanitarian ties,” Putin had said.

“And, as always, we will exchange views on pressing regional and international issues,” he told the Chinese state news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)