Putin poised to dodge pressure at SCO summit over Ukraine war — diplomat

Diplomat Oleh Shamshur stated this on Espreso TV.

"Modi and Xi Jinping will definitely not pressure Putin to end the war. One should remember the statement by China’s foreign minister — it was an uncharacteristic display of frankness for China. He said that China is not interested in and cannot allow Russia’s defeat. And, of course, the longer the war continues, the more it will benefit China," Shamshur noted.

According to the diplomat, the continuation of the war is advantageous to China because it diverts the United States and Europe to the Ukrainian front. Accordingly, this gives China greater room for maneuver, including near its own borders.

"As for Modi, he said that Russia and India are friends, and that this is for the long term. Obviously, inwardly he may think differently and remember that his interests lie with the West, and that Russia has not always behaved as India expected. Nevertheless, he stated that they will maintain friendly, partner relations, and are interested in continuing to receive Russian energy resources. How well Modi will be able to realize the prospects of continued Russo-Indian friendship, given that India must strike a balance — we will see in the near future," Shamshur added.

• On August 31, Putin began a four-day visit to China at the invitation of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who invited him to the parade marking the anniversary of the end of World War II.