Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, stating, "We need to move from an endless war to the end of the war." The remarks were made during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
During the broadcasted exchange on Monday, Modi told Putin that "every day of war sets the humanity back, whereas every step taken towards peace fills the humanity with new hope and enthusiasm." He emphasized that a peaceful resolution is "crucial for the well-being of humanity" and India's message, rooted in the principles of Gandhi and Buddha, is the "path of peace."
A stern-faced Putin, who appeared to be looking down and away from Modi's gaze, responded through gritted teeth, "Thank you very much, Mr Prime Minister. We are moving in that direction," after removing his earpiece.
Despite Modi's plea, there are few signs of de-escalation on the ground. Russia has been launching repeated strikes across Ukraine, including attacks on food warehouses, which are being blamed for shortages. The Russian defense ministry announced on Sunday that its forces were preparing for "massive strikes against facilities in Ukraine's energy sector" in retaliation for Kyiv's attacks on Russian infrastructure.
This escalation comes as ordinary Russians face increased hardships, including drone attacks and economic strain. Elite circles within Russia are reportedly growing frustrated with the prolonged conflict. Putin himself is said to believe that ending the war without achieving key objectives, such as capturing the entire Donbas region, could put him at risk, with one insider quoted as saying, "They will hang me."
Recent estimates suggest Russia has suffered significant battlefield casualties, with losses reportedly outpacing recruitment. For every Ukrainian casualty, Russia is now suffering approximately eight, a disparity attributed in part to Ukraine's extensive use of drones, including AI-enabled weapons.
Putin also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit. While Ukraine was reportedly discussed, it was not the primary focus of their meeting. The SCO bloc, which includes Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian nations, aims to counterbalance Western influence.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to have international implications. NATO is experiencing a period of heightened tension, with Russian drones testing the defenses of member states along its eastern flank. Russia has also issued threats towards the United Kingdom, accusing it of direct involvement in the war after a UK defense firm was permitted to share information on long-range missile components that could enable local manufacturing in Ukraine. A senior Russian adviser warned of a more aggressive response, with Russia viewing the UK as a primary adversary.
British officials have dismissed Russia's threats as "outrageous," while Western intelligence assessments express concern that Moscow might attempt to seize NATO territory. Tactics such as cyberattacks, sabotage, and disinformation are being employed by Russia across Europe to cause disruption below the threshold of direct military action. The head of Britain's GCHQ has warned that the UK and its allies are operating in a space "between peace and war."