Awkward moment squirming Putin is told to 'move from endless war to the end of war' in meeting with India's PM Modi

Vladimir Putin appeared visibly uneasy as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged him to end the war in Ukraine during their meeting in Kyrgyzstan on Monday. The exchange took place at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, where leaders from Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and other nations gathered. Modi, addressing Putin directly, stated that continuing the war was setting humanity back while steps toward peace would fill it with hope. Putin, who had been looking away and seemed disengaged, responded with a terse nod before slapping down his earpiece, used to receive translations. The meeting occurred amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, where Russian forces have intensified their attacks, targeting critical infrastructure such as food warehouses. These strikes have contributed to severe shortages and empty shelves in supermarkets, exacerbating civilian suffering. Despite Modi’s appeal for peace, there is little indication that Putin is shifting course. Instead, he has continued to escalate military operations, dismissing suggestions that the war might soon conclude. During an earlier speech in August, Putin warned that Ukraine was opening a “Pandora’s box” and threatened economic retaliation, reinforcing his stance that the conflict must continue until certain objectives are achieved. Modi, 75, emphasized the human cost of prolonged warfare, stating that every day of conflict eroded humanity’s progress. He framed peace as essential for global well-being, drawing parallels to historical figures like Gandhi and Buddha, whose teachings centered on harmony and non-violence. His remarks were delivered in a public session, highlighting the growing international pressure on Russia to seek a diplomatic resolution. However, Putin’s response suggested a lack of immediate willingness to compromise. According to insiders, he views ending the war prematurely as potentially dangerous, particularly given his insistence on securing control over the Donbas region. The SCO summit, marking its 25th anniversary, brought together leaders from diverse geopolitical backgrounds. Among them were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who exchanged greetings during a separate meeting. The gathering underscored the complex dynamics within the organization, which aims to counter Western influence and promote regional stability. While India and Russia share strategic interests, their positions on the Ukraine conflict remain divergent. Modi’s intervention reflects a broader push for dialogue, even as Moscow continues its military campaign. In Ukraine, the situation remains dire. Reports indicate that Russian drones have struck Kyiv, causing further disruption and casualties. Meanwhile, ordinary Russians are experiencing increasing hardships, including frequent drone attacks, restricted internet access, and economic instability. A recent study by the Centre for Strategic & International Studies estimates that Russia has suffered around 1.4 million battlefield casualties since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, with over 450,000 deaths. Recruitment efforts are now struggling to keep pace with these losses, with more than 30,000 troops killed or injured each month in 2026 alone. As the war enters its fourth year, tensions persist both on the battlefield and within Russia itself. Some elite circles are expressing frustration over the protracted conflict, though Putin remains resolute in his goals. The upcoming months will likely see continued pressure from international actors, including India, to pursue a negotiated settlement. Whether such appeals translate into meaningful change remains uncertain, as the war continues to exact heavy tolls on civilians and soldiers alike.