Mon Sep 01 07:37:46 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Putin Blames West, NATO for Ukraine Conflict at SCO Summit**

**Tianjin, China -** Russian President Vladimir Putin used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Monday to vehemently defend Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine, placing the blame squarely on the West and NATO for instigating the conflict.

Speaking to regional leaders, Putin asserted that Russia’s actions were a direct response to years of Western provocation, specifically citing the 2014 Ukrainian revolution and NATO’s eastward expansion as key factors. “This crisis was not triggered by Russia’s attack on Ukraine, but was a result of a coup in Ukraine, which was supported and provoked by the West,” Putin stated, referencing the ousting of former President Viktor Yanukovych.

He accused NATO of destabilizing the region and reiterated that Russia’s security concerns must be addressed before any lasting peace agreement can be reached. Putin also highlighted what he saw as positive diplomatic efforts from China and India, suggesting their proposals could help resolve the crisis.

Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday to discuss Ukraine and said he would expand on those talks in bilateral meetings with leaders on the sidelines of the summit. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are also attending.

Despite calls for negotiation, peace efforts have stalled. Russia continues to demand territorial concessions from Ukraine, a condition deemed unacceptable by Kyiv.

Putin’s remarks come as Russia faces increasing international pressure and sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, although Moscow continues to cultivate strong relationships with nations within the SCO, positioning the organization as a counterweight to Western-led global structures. He also held talks with Modi and Erdogan, and is expected to meet Pezeshkian later on Monday as he seeks to bolster diplomatic backing amid the drawn-out conflict.

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