Ukraine President seeks India’s support at UNSC, talks to Modi

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Ukrainian President Vlodimir Zelensky on Saturday spoke with Prime Minister Narenda Modi and asked him for political support at the United Nations Security Council where a few hours earlier India had abstained from a vote on a resolution criticising Russia, report Indian media.

While speaking to President Zelensky, PM Modi called for an immediate cessation of violence and expressed India’s willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts.

In a tweet, the Ukrainian President said he had informed PM Modi of how his country is repulsing the Russian aggression and that more than one lakh invaders are “on our land.”

Zelensky said the Russians were firing on residential buildings and ended his tweet by appealing to PM Modi to “stop the aggressor together”.

While speaking to his Ukrainian counterpart, Modi expressed his deep anguish about the loss of life and property due to ongoing conflict, according to a statement by the PMO.

It said Modi conveyed India’s deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens, including students in Ukraine and sought facilitation by Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and safely evacuate them.

“President Zelenskyy briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine. The prime minister expressed his deep anguish about the loss of life and property due to the ongoing conflict,” the statement said.

“He reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue, and expressed India’s willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts,” it added. On his part, Zelenskyy said he informed Modi of the course of Ukraine repulsing Russian aggression.

By abstaining from a UN Security Council resolution on the Ukraine crisis, India retained the option of reaching out to all relevant sides to find a middle ground and foster dialogue and diplomacy, official sources said on Saturday.

Russia vetoed the resolution that asked Moscow to immediately stop its attack on Ukraine and withdraw all troops.