NEW DELHI: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed sharp disapproval following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modiโs visit to Russia and his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This reaction comes amidst ongoing conflict and violence in Ukraine, specifically referencing a recent Russian missile strike on a childrenโs hospital in Kyiv that resulted in the death of 37 people, including three children.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy labeled Modiโs visit a โhuge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts.โ He was particularly critical of the imagery of Modi embracing Putin, stating, โIt is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the worldโs largest democracy hug the worldโs most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day.โ
Prime Minister Modiโs visit to Russia, his first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, included an informal meeting with Putin at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo. Visuals from the meeting showed a warm interaction between the two leaders, including a tour of the estate grounds with Putin driving Modi in a golf cart.
During their meeting, Modi is believed to have emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict, stressing that solutions cannot be found on the battlefield. According to sources, Modi reiterated Indiaโs stance on respecting the United Nations Charter, including Ukraineโs territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The timing of Modiโs visit coincided with a devastating missile strike in Kyiv, leading to significant casualties and destruction. The strike damaged the countryโs largest childrenโs hospital, interrupting critical medical treatments and causing extensive harm to civilian infrastructure. This has been one of the heaviest bombardments of Kyiv in recent months, with significant loss of life and damage to key facilities.
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Zelenskyyโs condemnation of Modiโs visit also referenced the broader context of ongoing Russian aggression and its impact on Ukraine. He underscored the importance of global awareness and condemnation of Russiaโs actions, urging the world not to remain silent in the face of such violence.
India has maintained a consistent stance of advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Modi has had several interactions with both Putin and Zelenskyy since the war began, reiterating Indiaโs readiness to support peace efforts.
Modiโs recent visit to Russia, while navigating the delicate balance of maintaining historical ties with Russia and engaging with Western allies, underscores the complexities of international diplomacy amidst a protracted and brutal conflict.
As the situation in Ukraine remains dire, global leadersโ actions and interactions continue to be closely scrutinised.
