By DAYO ADESULU
Russian President Vladimir Putin defended Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine on Monday, August 18, 2025, during a speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. He argued that the Ukraine war was triggered not by Russia’s invasion but by Western interference, NATO expansion, and the 2014 political upheaval in Kyiv.
Putin’s Claims Against the West
Putin insisted the conflict was rooted in the 2013–2014 Ukrainian revolution, which he described as a “coup supported and provoked by the West.” The revolution led to the ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, sparking tensions that escalated into war.
“The second reason for the crisis is the West’s constant attempts to drag Ukraine into NATO,” Putin told leaders at the summit.
Background: Crimea and Eastern Ukraine
After Ukraine’s revolution, Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. This intervention ignited a civil war, which evolved into Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, dragging on for more than three and a half years.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands and left large parts of eastern Ukraine devastated.
The SCO as an Alternative Bloc
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, attended by leaders such as:
- Xi Jinping (China)
- Narendra Modi (India)
- Masoud Pezeshkian (Iran)
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Turkey, guest)
has been positioned by Moscow and Beijing as a counterweight to NATO and Western alliances.
Putin argued for a new global system that “replaces outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models” and reflects the interests of a wider range of nations.
China, India, and Iran’s Role
The Russian leader praised China, India, and Iran for their diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. He emphasized the importance of their proposals in shaping a possible peace framework.
“We highly value the efforts and proposals of China, India and our other strategic partners, aimed at contributing to resolving the Ukrainian crisis,” he said.
Peace Talks and Stalled Diplomacy
Despite repeated calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for both Moscow and Kyiv to negotiate peace, talks remain stalled.
- Putin has rejected ceasefire proposals.
- He demands that Ukraine cede more territory and abandon Western military backing.
- Kyiv has dismissed these terms as unacceptable.
The deadlock continues, with no clear path to a ceasefire.
Upcoming Bilateral Meetings
Putin revealed that he would discuss the Ukraine war in upcoming bilateral meetings with:
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
These meetings are expected to focus on diplomatic pathways, energy cooperation, and regional security.
Conclusion
At the SCO summit in Tianjin, Putin doubled down on his narrative that the Ukraine war is a product of Western aggression and NATO expansion. While Russia seeks backing from allies like China, India, and Iran, the gap between Moscow’s demands and Kyiv’s red lines remains wide.
For now, peace remains elusive, and the war continues to shape the future of Europe, Asia, and global security.
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