Putin Accuses West of Provoking Ukraine Conflict at Pivotal SCO Summit

In a powerful address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin unequivocally laid the blame for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine squarely at the feet of Western nations. Speaking to leaders from across Eurasia, Putin asserted that the West's relentless pursuit of global dominance and its attempts to maintain a unipolar world order were the primary catalysts for the current geopolitical turmoil.

Putin's remarks, delivered with characteristic resolve, highlighted his long-standing contention that the United States and its allies have deliberately engineered the conflict to weaken Russia and prevent the emergence of a truly multipolar international system.

He criticized what he described as the West's 'hegemonic ambitions' and 'neo-colonial policies,' which he argued are destabilizing regions worldwide and undermining the principles of sovereign equality.

The Russian President further lambasted the extensive sanctions regime imposed by Western powers, labeling them as acts of 'economic warfare' designed to cripple Russia's economy and sow internal dissent.

He posited that these punitive measures, far from achieving their stated goals, have instead backfired, accelerating the shift towards new global economic alliances and payment systems that bypass Western-controlled financial institutions.

Highlighting the SCO's increasing relevance, Putin emphasized its role as a bulwark against Western-centric narratives and a champion of a more 'just, democratic, and multipolar world order.' He underscored the organization's commitment to enhancing security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange among its member states, presenting it as a model for equitable international relations.

The summit, attended by key leaders from China, India, and various Central Asian nations, served as a potent platform for discussing alternative visions for global governance, independent of Western influence.

Observers noted that Putin's speech resonated with the growing sentiment among many non-Western nations for a more balanced international power distribution.

His strong condemnation of Western policies, particularly concerning NATO expansion and perceived interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, reaffirmed Russia's stance that its actions in Ukraine are a defensive response to encroaching threats rather than an unprovoked aggression. The summit concluded with a joint declaration emphasizing mutual respect, non-interference, and the imperative of collective security in an evolving global landscape, cementing the SCO's position as a significant force in shaping the future of international relations.