Tianjin: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday underscored that any meaningful resolution to the Ukraine conflict must tackle the issue of NATO's eastward expansion. Speaking on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, Putin stressed that the war’s root causes are linked to Western moves to integrate Ukraine into the military alliance, which Russia perceives as a direct threat to its national security. He emphasized that addressing these security concerns is critical for a sustainable and lasting peace in the region.
The remarks followed high-level discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both of whom have consistently advocated for dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes. The SCO summit provided a diplomatic platform for the leaders to exchange perspectives on regional stability, multilateral cooperation, and avenues to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine. Putin framed the conversation as part of a broader push to establish a “balanced security architecture” in Europe that considers Russia’s strategic interests.
The conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has led to widespread human suffering, including significant civilian casualties and mass displacement. While Western nations continue to classify Russia’s military actions as aggression, Putin reiterated his narrative that NATO’s expansion directly contributed to the crisis, portraying Moscow’s intervention as a defensive measure. He pointed to previous discussions with U.S. leaders, including Donald Trump, as possible foundations for negotiations aimed at reducing tensions.
Putin also highlighted the importance of recognizing the role of sovereign states in countering perceived security threats, warning against ignoring Russia’s concerns in broader European security arrangements. By linking NATO enlargement to the ongoing conflict, he signaled that any diplomatic resolution would require concessions or reassurances on alliance activities near Russia’s borders.
The SCO summit, bringing together leaders from China, India, Russia, and other Eurasian nations, further emphasized the bloc’s growing role as a forum for regional diplomacy. While China and India maintain a cautious neutrality, they have advocated for peaceful dialogue while reaffirming respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Putin’s statements during the summit reflected the complex geopolitical environment in which global powers navigate competing security interests and strive for conflict resolution.
International observers continue to watch the outcomes of these high-level discussions closely, noting that the SCO’s influence may increasingly shape negotiations over Ukraine and broader Eurasian security dynamics. The summit reinforced that without addressing Russia’s core security concerns, including NATO’s trajectory, achieving a comprehensive settlement in Ukraine will remain challenging.