New Delhi (Reuters)-India Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed support on Saturday to a peaceful deal in Ukraine during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Modi’s office said.
Zelensky, speaking of speech at night recorded on video, said Modi supported Ukraine’s request for a ceasefire in the war with Russia and expected this to be part of the next summit of the Shangoi Cooperation Organization in China.
Modi’s office in a statement said Zelensky shared the Indian Prime Minister’s perspective on recent Ukraine-related events, while Modi emphasized India’s support for efforts to restore peace as soon as possible.
Unique opportunity
Legacy Card: Far beyond a service
“The leaders also analyzed the progress of the India-Ucrania bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further increase cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” he said.
Modi should participate in the SCO summit, which starts on Sunday in the Chinese town of Tianjin.
“I just talked to Indian Prime Minister Modi about exactly what is happening. Russia is continuing the war, continuing to kill,” said Zelensky.
Continues after advertising
“It is important that the Prime Minister of India support the idea that a ceasefire is necessary and would be a clear sign that Russia is ready for diplomacy. We are saying that this is heard at the meeting in China.”
Modi’s office’s statement made no mention of a ceasefire request.
Ukraine, supported by European countries, has long called for a ceasefire in hostilities as an important initial step in resolving the conflict.
Continues after advertising
United States President Donald Trump initially asked Russia to agree with a ceasefire, but since his conversations this month with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, Alaska, said a ceasefire is not a vital element to reach a solution.
In a speech on Saturday, after night attacks in southeastern Ukraine, Zelensky said Moscow had used the preparation time for a meeting of leaders from both countries to launch new attacks against his country.
On Friday, Zelensky mentioned Trump’s deadline to decide on new measures against Russia if Putin does not commit to an individual meeting with the Ukrainian leader.
