Putin says Russia is 'united as never before' at meeting of Russia- and China-led security group
Vladimir Putin claimed Tuesday that the Russian people were «united as never before,» as he sought to project confidence in the wake of a short-lived revolt, at a meeting of a rare international organization where he can find a sympathetic audience. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting, hosted via videoconference by India, was Putin's first multilateral summit since an armed rebellion rattled Russia and comes as he is eager to show that the West has failed to isolate Moscow over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Asian security grouping, founded by Russia and China to counter Western alliances, also welcomed Iran as a new member, bringing its membership to nine nations. Speaking via video link from the Kremlin, Putin praised the organization for «playing an increasingly significant role in international affairs, making a real contribution to maintaining peace and stability, ensuring sustainable economic growth of the participating states, and strengthening ties between peoples.» He thanked the member states for supporting the Russian authorities during the short-lived armed mutiny mounted by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, and said the West had turned Ukraine into «a virtually hostile state — anti-Russia.» Putin has frequently lashed out at the West for its support of Ukraine in thewar.
The summit presents an opportunity for Putin to show he is in control after an insurrection that left some wondering about divisions among Russian elites. «The Russian people are united as never before,» he said.
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