Putin Attributes Ukraine Conflict to Western Actions at SCO Summit

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed the Ukraine conflict to Western-backed events in 2014 and NATO's expansion efforts. He stated that the crisis resulted from a "coup in Ukraine, which was supported and provoked by the West," referring to the 2013-2014 pro-European uprising that led to the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych.

Putin also criticized the West's attempts to integrate Ukraine into NATO, describing them as a direct threat to Russia's security. He emphasized the need to address these root causes for a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

The Russian leader highlighted recent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, expressing hope that the "understandings" reached could pave the way for peace in Ukraine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, hosting the summit, announced plans to accelerate the creation of an SCO development bank and pledged $1.4 billion in loans over three years for member states. He called for opposition to "Cold War mentality, bloc-based confrontation and bullying," advocating for "an equal and orderly multipolar world."

The SCO summit brought together leaders from 10 countries across Europe and Asia, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Many attendees are expected to participate in a military parade in Beijing marking 80 years since China's victory over Japan in World War II.