Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, on Monday, Sep. 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that agreements reached during his August meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska could pave the way for resolving what he refers to as the crisis in Ukraine.

Putin emphasized that the principles of the United Nations, including respect for state sovereignty, remain strong and unshakable today. He also praised the efforts of China and India in seeking a resolution to the conflict.

The Russian leader noted that he had discussed the outcome of the Alaska talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and plans to brief other world leaders in their upcoming bilateral meetings.

Addressing the situation in Ukraine, Putin stated that no country can guarantee its own security at the expense of another’s. He reiterated the need to tackle the root causes of the crisis and to establish a balance that ensures overall security.

Putin further criticized Western efforts to draw Ukraine into NATO, describing them as a contributing factor to the ongoing crisis.

“Ukraine crisis arose not from Russia’s actions, but from a Western-backed coup in Kyiv. I hope the “understanding” reached in Alaska paves the way for peace in Ukraine. Root causes of the Ukraine crisis must be removed and security balance restored,” Putin stated.