Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a series of high-level phone calls on Friday with the leaders of China, India, and three former Soviet republics, briefing them on his recent discussions with the United States regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The outreach followed Putin’s meeting in Moscow on Wednesday with U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. The Kremlin later signaled that a potential Putin–Trump summit could take place as early as next week, though no venue, date, or agenda has been confirmed. Trump has set a Friday deadline for Russia to commit to a peace agreement, warning of fresh sanctions on Moscow and on nations that continue importing Russian exports. China and India remain the two largest purchasers of Russian oil.
In a phone call, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed satisfaction over the renewed U.S.–Russia engagement and voiced support for advancing a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis, according to state broadcaster CCTV. China, a key ally and Moscow’s largest trading partner, is preparing to host Putin in September for events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Putin, noting in a post on X that he had a “very good and detailed conversation” with his “friend President Putin” and appreciated the update on Ukraine. Modi’s remarks came against the backdrop of Trump’s announcement of an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, aimed at penalising New Delhi for its continued purchase of Russian oil.
Putin’s diplomatic engagements extended beyond Asia. On Thursday, he held talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who reiterated his country’s “full support” for peace initiatives aimed at ending the war and establishing lasting stability. In Moscow the same day, Putin met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, who suggested the UAE as a potential host for the anticipated Russia–U.S. summit.
All five nations — Russia, China, India, South Africa, and the UAE — are members of the BRICS grouping, which Moscow positions as a strategic counterweight to U.S. political and economic influence. On Friday, Putin also updated Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, as well as the leaders of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, on the outcome of his meeting with Witkoff.
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