Russia-Ukraine crisis: Zelenskyy seeks political support on call with Modi
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reportedly held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to discuss the situation in his country amid the Russian invasion. During the call, Zelenskyy sought political support from New Delhi against Moscow at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This comes as Russia continues to intensify its attack on Ukraine, which entered its third day on Saturday.
Zelenskyy also took to Twitter to inform he has spoken with PM Modi on Saturday. "Informed of the course of [Ukraine] repulsing [Russian] aggression. More than 100,000 invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings," he wrote. "Urged [India] to give us political support in [the United Nations] Security Council. Stop the aggressor together!" added the Ukrainian president.
The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement on Saturday saying Zelenskyy briefed Modi about the "ongoing conflict" in Ukraine during their call. It said the prime minister expressed "deep anguish" over "the loss of life and property" and once again called for "immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue." Modi also "expressed India's willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts."
Interestingly, Zelenskyy's call with Modi comes a day after India abstained from voting on a UNSC resolution on Friday against Russia's assault on Ukraine that demanded immediate withdrawal of its troops. While 11 members of the 15-nation Council voted for the resolution, three—including India, China, and the UAE—abstained from voting. However, as expected, it failed to pass as Russia—a permanent UNSC member—vetoed the motion.
To explain India's abstention from voting, the Permanent Representative of India to the UN, TS Tirumurti, issued a statement saying the country was "deeply disturbed by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine." "We urge that all efforts are made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities. No solution can be arrived at, at the cost of human lives," the statement further read.
Meanwhile, over 50,000 Ukrainians have fled their country since the Russian invasion began on Thursday, according to the United Nations. On the other hand, more than 1,00,000 people have fled their homes in Ukraine, said the world body. Moreover, hundreds have been killed and wounded on both sides since Russia launched the attack on its neighbor.
