Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today dialled Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Russian military forces closed in on capital Kiev.
"Spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Informed of the course of Ukraine repulsing Russian aggression. More than 100,000 invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings," Zelensky tweeted after briefing Modi on the ongoing conflict in the region.
India, along with China and UAE, had abstained from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) vote on adopting a draft resolution on ending the Ukraine crisis in New York earlier today, emphasising that dialogue is the only way to settle disputes.
"Urged India to give us political support in the UN Security Council. Stop the aggressor together," the Ukrainian President wrote in his tweet.
Spoke with 🇮🇳 Prime Minister @narendramodi. Informed of the course of 🇺🇦 repulsing 🇷🇺 aggression. More than 100,000 invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings. Urged 🇮🇳 to give us political support in🇺🇳 Security Council. Stop the aggressor together!
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 26, 2022
The Indian Prime Minister expressed his deep anguish about the loss of life and property and reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue, expressing India's willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts.
PM Modi also conveyed India's deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens, including students, present in Ukraine. He sought facilitation by Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and safely evacuate Indian citizens.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had also briefed PM Modi about the recent developments regarding Ukraine when both leaders spoke on telephone Thursday night.
PM Modi had reiterated to Putin his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue.
The Indian PM had appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue.
Also Read: Explained: Why India abstained from UN Security Council vote on Ukraine crisis
