As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on India to contribute to ending the conflict. His appeal coincides with India's Independence Day. Zelenskyy conveyed his wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the shared values of freedom and peace between the two nations.
Zelenskyy stated, "We hope that India will contribute to efforts aimed at ending the war, so that our freedom and sovereignty are truly secure". He expressed confidence in the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between Ukraine and India in areas such as science, technology, trade, and culture, wishing India peace and prosperity.
In a recent conversation with Prime Minister Modi, Zelenskyy personally conveyed his best wishes on India's Independence Day. He noted that both nations share the experience of standing up for freedom and dignity, as well as the pursuit of peace and development.
Ukraine has increasingly viewed India, the world's most populous nation with a history of non-alignment, as an ideal intermediary in dealings with the Kremlin. While India has refrained from condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and has maintained a friendly relationship with Moscow, it has consistently supported respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. Modi pledged to be a "friend" to Kyiv and help bring about a peace deal during a visit to the Ukrainian capital. Zelenskyy has signaled that he is open to New Delhi spearheading peace talks, suggesting they could take place in India.
Zelenskyy believes that India could exert pressure on Moscow by "blocking of Russian economy, blocking of cheap energy resource, blocking of defense-industrial complex of Russia". He also told Modi that limiting Russian oil exports was necessary. He said that it is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow.
Meanwhile, in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have met to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. This marks their first standalone summit since 2018. Trump has expressed his desire for a second meeting in Alaska between Putin and Zelenskyy shortly.
Trump greeted Putin warmly as they began their summit to discuss the war in Ukraine. Trump said Thursday he wants the summit with Putin to "set the table" for a future meeting between the two leaders and Zelenskyy, which Trump is aiming to hold "shortly".
Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska emphasized the state's strategic importance to the U.S., stating, "Alaska is the right place for peace talks. Putin understands strength & power — Alaska exudes both". Senator Lisa Murkowski, also of Alaska, expressed some reticence about the meeting.
The meeting is considered a potential breakthrough after weeks of frustration that more was not being done to quell the fighting.
