Modi can influence end of war in Ukraine - Zelenskyy
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The head of the Indian government, Narendra Modi, could influence the end of the war between Ukraine and Russia. Specifically, negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow could take place on Indian territory, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with The Times of India.
As Zelenskyy noted, Modi is the Prime Minister of a vast country in terms of population, economy, and influence.
"PM Modi can influence the end of the Ukraine war. This is the huge value of him in any conflict. This is the huge value of India," the president explained.
He added that blocking the Russian economy, cheap energy resources, and the enemy's defense-industrial complex (DIC) would lead to a reduction in Moscow's capabilities to wage war against Ukraine.
India could also organize negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. However, it is necessary to prepare and organize dialogue in accordance with the Ukrainian format, as the war is taking place on our territory. Ukraine also has its own platform, namely the Peace Summit.
Zelensky added that the recently announced victory plan is not a bargaining chip or a topic for negotiations with Russia. This specifically includes Ukraine's invitation to NATO.
Return of Ukrainian children
Modi, as noted by the president, could also help Ukraine in the return of children who were forcibly deported to Russia.
"You can force Putin to bring back Ukrainian children… PM Modi can use his influence and tell Putin just give me 1,000 Ukrainian children who will be brought back to Ukraine. Let PM Modi bring back at least 1,000 Ukrainian children," the president explained.
Relations between India and Ukraine
On August 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kyiv on an official visit, during which four agreements on cooperation between India and Ukraine were signed.
According to Bloomberg, India is currently the second-largest supplier of prohibited technologies to Russia after China, which raises concerns amid the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian representative for sanctions policy Vladyslav Vasyuk noted that there has been a significant improvement in dialogue with India compared to previous years. Kyiv is actively discussing with New Delhi the possibility of reducing imports of Russian oil, which is an important step toward increasing sanctions pressure on Moscow.
