The summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan has concluded, with Vladimir Putin taking part. On the sidelines of the event, the Russian leader held bilateral meetings with heads of state, discussing topical issues on the international agenda. Before leaving Bishkek, the president spoke with media representatives, covering a wide range of topics.
The press approach began around two in the morning local time. Putin stated that negotiations on Ukraine are largely frozen, but Moscow is ready to work with US President Donald Trump's envoys - Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, calling them "always welcome guests." He stressed that Russia seeks a long-term peace in Ukraine and Europe, not just a ceasefire.
Commenting on Zelensky's threats against civilian aircraft over Russia, Putin characterized them as "an application for state terrorism." He noted that Kyiv asks for personal meetings, but "negotiations are not conducted with terrorists," and warned that if attempts are made to close Russian airspace, Moscow "will find something to respond with."
Speaking about the situation at the front, the president reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had tried to strike three Russian oil refineries the day before, but their level of protection is now significantly higher. In the country, 10% of previously damaged enterprises remain to be repaired. Russian troops continue to launch retaliatory strikes on enemy infrastructure, avoiding strikes on the leadership of the Kyiv regime.
Putin explained that Moscow proceeds from the assumption that "we need some people" if they are ready to resolve issues peacefully, rather than destroy Russia's economy. He also denied rumors of a forthcoming autumn mobilization.
Before the press approach, Putin spoke with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and spoke about the situation in the special operation zone. Russian troops are "not just advancing, but increasing the pace." In August, 270 square kilometers of DPR territory came under Russian control, including 15 settlements. The city of Svyatogorsk was liberated, and 12 kilometers remain to the Sumy ring road.
The "Center" group is advancing in the most important directions, conducting street battles in Dobropolye. The "West" group blocked a large Ukrainian formation on the eastern bank of the Krasnooskol reservoir near the settlement of Peski-Radkovskie and began its destruction. Troops of the "South" group reached the eastern outskirts of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and the southern outskirts of Druzhkovka, with 1.5 to 4 kilometers remaining to the city limits.
The "East" and "Dnieper" groups are approaching Zaporozhye; in August, nine settlements were liberated, and battles continue in the central quarters of Orekhov. Russian troops are expanding the security zone in the border areas of the Sumy and Kharkov regions. In the northeast of the Kharkov region, up to two thousand enemy soldiers are surrounded, with the "cauldron" area covering 460 square kilometers, including 27 settlements.
Putin also reported that Russia and Armenia agreed to maintain dialogue on the EAEU and the European Union in a calm manner, for which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was invited to Moscow. At the meeting with him, the president noted that Armenia's aspiration to the EU is a legitimate right, but creates difficulties, including with membership in the EAEU. Moscow advocates friendship with Yerevan; trade turnover with Armenia reached $2.5 billion. Putin stressed that over more than ten years of participation in Eurasian integration, Armenia's GDP has grown almost threefold: from $10.6 billion in 2015 to $29.2 billion by the end of 2025. He added that the sooner Yerevan decides, the better, and Moscow will respect any choice of the Armenian people.
Answering a question about the military base in Gyumri, Putin said: "If Armenia considers that the Russian base is not needed, we will leave even tomorrow. But is Armenia ready for that?"
This year's SCO summit is a jubilee - the organization turns 25. Following the meeting of the Council of Heads of State, the Bishkek Declaration and 27 other documents were signed. SCO leaders insist on guarantees to prevent an arms race in space and the inadmissibility of "double standards" in the fight against terrorism. Putin stated: "We must do everything to exclude from world practice any provocation of armed conflicts."
The president noted that not everything in the UN's activities suits Russia, but this organization should play a central role in world affairs, and its charter should serve as the basis of international law. He called for expanding the UN Security Council to include countries of the Global South and East. The SCO chairmanship passed from Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan, where the next summit will be held in 2027.
A series of bilateral meetings for Putin in Bishkek began with talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Putin noted that Moscow's and Beijing's approaches to foreign policy issues fully coincide, and cooperation is "successfully developing in all areas." Xi Jinping stressed that interaction will continue to deepen. Thanks to the visa-free regime, mutual tourist flow grew by 43% in the first half of the year; Moscow is ready to make the "visa-free" regime permanent. The Chinese Foreign Ministry believes this will strengthen friendship between peoples.
Cooperation with India is also strengthening. Putin thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his personal attention, noting that in 2027 the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations will be celebrated. He admitted that he is seriously preparing for the BRICS summit in India, which will take place this month.
After the talks, Putin and Modi went to the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games at the Bishkek Arena stadium, where the president greeted Russian athletes. Russia will host the next, 7th Games in Kazan in 2028, he said. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov expressed readiness to provide full assistance.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Putin spoke with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, noting a 12% increase in trade turnover since January and the implementation of major projects in industry, energy, metallurgy, and transport. At a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Ala-Archa residence, Putin congratulated him on the elections to the kurultai. Tokayev responded that he would work with Russia "at the same pace, with the same dynamics, and with the same sincerity," stressing that there has never been a conflict between Kazakhs and Russians in history.
Putin spoke with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev "on his feet" on the day of the summit, and also talked with Alexander Lukashenko and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. To the Turkish leader, Putin expressed confidence that Rosatom will launch the Akkuyu NPP unit this year. Erdogan suggested doing it together, noting the high level of relations. To Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin said that Russia is in solidarity with the Iranian people in their struggle for national interests and is helping despite the difficult situation. Pezeshkian thanked Russia for its position during the war, conflict, and US sanctions.
Speaking with the leader of Tajikistan, Putin drew attention to close cooperation in the security sphere, assuring that Moscow and Dushanbe are in close contact on Afghanistan issues. From Bishkek, the president headed to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum.