Putin Blames West for Ukraine War at SCO Summit: Key Insights
Date Published
The Ukraine conflict has claimed over 1 million Russian casualties, including 250,000 deaths, per UK Defense Ministry estimates from June 2025. Russian President Vladimir Putin used the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin to blame Western actions for the war. This gathering of leaders from 10 nations signals growing resistance to US-led policies.
Putin's Key Statements
Putin stated that the crisis stemmed from a Western-backed coup in Kyiv in 2014, not Russian aggression. He highlighted NATO's push to include Ukraine as a direct security threat to Russia.
According to the Guardian, Chinese leader Xi Jinping echoed anti-Western sentiments by criticizing bullying behavior and cold war mentalities. These remarks align with SCO's focus on multipolar world order.
SCO's Role and Membership
The SCO, formed in 2001, now includes 10 members such as China, Russia, India, Iran, and Belarus. It promotes economic and security cooperation among Eurasian states.
Analysts note SCO's expanding influence challenges US dominance in Asia. Xi proposed accelerating an SCO development bank to boost financial independence.
Impact on Ukraine Conflict
Ukraine has reported over 400,000 military casualties, as per President Zelenskyy's January 2025 estimate. Civilian deaths exceed 13,800, based on UN-verified data through July 2025.
Putin defended Russia's offensive by citing historical grievances with the West. Reports from Deccan Herald indicate he linked the war to NATO's eastward expansion.
Economic fallout includes massive infrastructure damage in Ukraine and global supply chain disruptions. The war has displaced 3.7 million Ukrainians internally and forced 6.9 million to flee abroad.
Global Reactions and Analysis
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended, meeting Putin and Xi amid strained India-China ties. This marks Modi's first China visit in seven years, per Hindustan Times.
Western media, like AP News, views SCO as a platform for adversaries to counter US alliances. Yet, its influence remains murky due to internal divergences.
A RAND study from May 2025 outlines the war's geopolitical shifts, noting increased Russia-China military ties. These developments foster a bloc resisting Western sanctions.
Trends in International Relations
Anti-Western rhetoric at SCO reflects broader trends in the Global South. Nations seek alternatives to US-led institutions for trade and security.
Iran and Belarus's recent memberships expand SCO's reach into the Middle East and Europe. This could amplify calls for de-dollarization in transactions.
Strategic Implications
Putin's blame on the West justifies Russia's stance to SCO allies. It may encourage joint exercises and intelligence sharing within the group.
According to South China Morning Post, Putin emphasized the conflict arose from Western interference, not invasion. This narrative resonates with non-aligned states.
Economic impacts extend to energy markets, with Russia redirecting oil to China and India. Global inflation persists due to disrupted grain exports from Ukraine.
Future Outlook
SCO's push for AI cooperation, as urged by Xi, aims to counter tech dominance by the West. This could lead to collaborative R&D projects among members.
The summit included over 20 leaders, underscoring its scale and ambition. Journalists praised its role in regional stability, per China Daily.
Neutral observers see SCO as a counterweight, but internal rivalries like India-Pakistan tensions limit unity. Still, it provides a forum for dialogue outside Western frameworks.
Understanding Putin's remarks at the SCO summit reveals deeper fissures in global geopolitics. These discussions could shape future peace efforts and alliance formations in a multipolar era.