Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a summit organized by Beijing in Tianjin, China, today defended his attack on Ukraine, once again accusing the West of provoking the conflict.

“This crisis did not erupt from Russia’s attack on Ukraine; it is the result of a coup in Ukraine, which was supported and provoked by the West,” Putin said at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

The Russian president also said the understanding reached during the summit in August with U.S. President Donald Trump paves the way for finding a solution to the crisis in Ukraine.

“In this regard, we greatly appreciate the efforts and proposals from China and India aimed at facilitating the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis,” Putin said.

“I would also point out that the understanding reached at the recent Russia-US meeting in Alaska, I hope, will also contribute to this goal,” the Russian president added.