Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to shift from an "endless war" to its conclusion for the sake of humanity. The appeal occurred during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Modi stated, "Every day of war sets the humanity back, whereas every step taken towards peace fills the humanity with new hope and enthusiasm."
During the broadcasted exchange on Monday, Modi told Putin, "We need to move from an endless war to the end of the war." He added that a peaceful resolution to all issues at the earliest is "the call of humanity, and this is India's message." Modi characterized the stance as coming from "the land of Gandhi and Buddha," emphasizing, "the path of peace."
In response, a stern-faced Putin, who was observed looking down and away from Modi, removed his earpiece and stated through gritted teeth, "Thank you very much, Mr Prime Minister. We are moving in that direction." However, on the ground in Ukraine, there have been few signs of a de-escalation. Reports indicate Russia has continued strikes across Ukraine, including targeting food warehouses, which have been linked to shortages. Earlier in August, Putin dismissed suggestions of an imminent end to the conflict, stating, "The special military operation continues. We will move only forward."
According to The Economist, discontent over the protracted conflict is growing within Russia, particularly among elites, who are reportedly frustrated by its length. Putin himself is said to believe he could face repercussions if he ends the war without achieving his minimum goal of capturing the entire Donbas region, with one insider quoted as saying, "They will hang me."
Russia's defense ministry announced Sunday its preparations for large-scale attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, framing it as a response to ongoing strikes by Kyiv on Russian civilian and energy facilities. Last winter, similar Russian strikes devastated Ukraine's energy sector. Both sides have escalated long-range strikes in recent months, targeting infrastructure such as warehouses, businesses, and oil facilities, leading to an increase in civilian casualties.
Putin also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit. While discussions reportedly touched upon Ukraine, the Kremlin stated 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 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The article also touches on escalating tensions between Russia and the United Kingdom. Following the UK's agreement to allow local manufacturing of long-range missiles for Ukraine, Russia has issued strong warnings. A former Russian deputy foreign minister suggested potential Russian responses could include cyberattacks or "semi-military" actions against British factories involved in producing components for weapons supplied to Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Britain of "pouring fuel on the fire" and plotting to prevent peace progress.
Western intelligence assessments have also expressed concerns about potential Russian escalation, with some U.S. officials worried Moscow might attempt to seize NATO territory. British intelligence chief Anne Keast-Butler has warned that the UK and its allies are operating in a space "between peace and war" due to Russian activities spanning cyber and physical domains.