Putin Promises To 'Do Everything' To End Ukraine War 'As Soon As Possible'

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he understood his concerns over the war in Ukraine and showed eagerness to end the conflict "as soon as possible."

"I know your position on the conflict in Ukraine and the concerns that you constantly express. We will do our best to make it stop as soon as possible," Putin told Modi at the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Uzbekistan, according to a readout from the Kremlin.

Modi reiterated his anti-war stance during the meeting as the Indian leader told Putin that "now is not an age of wars."

"We have spoken about this many times, in particular in our telephone conversations. Democracy, diplomacy, and dialogue are important tools for us to find solutions," Modi said.

But despite a seeming commitment to end the war, Putin said that "unfortunately" Ukraine has abandoned talks and declared that it wants to achieve its objectives "on the battlefield."

India has been one of Russia's strongest allies, with their ties dating back to the Cold War, with Moscow remaining to be India's largest supplier of weaponry.

Russia's other key ally, China, also appeared to be cold on the Ukraine conflict as Putin hinted at a press conference that Chinese President Xi Jinping felt unhappy about it, the New York Times reported.

“There were also issues related to crises,” Putin told reporters. The meeting between him and China’s president resulted in discussing several issues that Putin described as “well-meaning, but principles manner.”

Russia has so far gained control over about a fifth of Ukraine’s territory ever since the invasion began in February.