Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy, Modi Plan Bilateral Meet Post-SCO
Kyiv: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a comprehensive telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to align their strategies in preparation for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The dialogue encompassed a detailed discussion on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the urgent need for a peaceful resolution, and the enhancement of bilateral relations between Ukraine and India, reflecting a mutual commitment to addressing both regional and diplomatic priorities.
During the conversation, Zelenskyy provided an in-depth briefing on his recent discussions in Washington with President of the United States Donald Trump, which also involved several European leaders. He described those talks as highly productive and significant, emphasising that they reflected a collective vision among the participating nations for achieving a sustainable and genuine peace in Ukraine. Zelenskyy underscored Ukraine’s openness to engaging in direct talks with the Russian leadership, but stressed that such negotiations could only proceed meaningfully following an unconditional ceasefire. He pointed out that in the two weeks since the Washington discussions, during which Russia was expected to demonstrate a willingness for diplomacy, Moscow had instead escalated its military actions, launching cynical strikes on civilian infrastructure and residential areas, resulting in the tragic loss of dozens of Ukrainian lives. In response, Modi conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by these devastating attacks, expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people during this challenging period.
The leaders devoted considerable attention to coordinating their positions ahead of the SCO summit, recognising its importance as a platform for advancing peace initiatives. Zelenskyy emphasised that the cessation of hostilities is an essential prerequisite for any substantive dialogue on peace, as ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities render meaningful negotiations impossible. He expressed gratitude for India’s willingness to play a proactive role at the summit, including engaging with Russia and other global leaders on the sidelines to advocate for a cessation of violence and to support diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability. Modi reaffirmed India’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict, assuring Zelenskyy that India would extend all possible support to initiatives focused on achieving an early restoration of peace in Ukraine.
In addition to addressing the conflict, the conversation covered the broader scope of India-Ukraine bilateral relations. Both leaders reviewed the progress made in their partnership, noting the steady growth in cooperation across various sectors. They discussed practical steps to strengthen further these ties, including preparations for reciprocal high-level visits to foster closer engagement. The leaders also explored the possibility of convening a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission, a mechanism designed to facilitate collaboration in areas of mutual interest such as trade, technology, and cultural exchange. Furthermore, Zelenskyy and Modi considered the prospect of a personal meeting in the near future, which they agreed could serve as an opportunity to deepen their dialogue and advance their shared objectives.
Significantly, Zelenskyy’s call to Modi was made soon after he publicly addressed the Ukrainians, explaining that there was a need for a ceasefire, “which would clearly signal the Russian readiness for diplomacy”.
In the course of his public address, he had urged global leaders to push for an end to Russia’s aggression. Speaking to the nation, he announced a thorough investigation into the assassination of Andriy Parubiy, with the Security Service of Ukraine and law enforcement deploying extensive resources to solve the carefully planned crime. He promised to share verified updates with the public and offered condolences to Parubiy’s family and friends. Parubiy served as the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament, from April 14, 2016, to August 29, 2019. He was shot and killed in Lviv today.
Zelenskyy also detailed a massive Russian attack overnight, striking Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lutsk, and other regions. The assault injured dozens, including 29 in Zaporizhzhia, three of them children, and claimed one life. Over 500 drones, primarily “Shaheds,” and 45 missiles, including ballistic and cruise types, were launched, with Ukrainian forces intercepting 510 drones, 32 cruise missiles, and 6 ballistic missiles. He highlighted this as Russia’s second major assault this week, signalling Moscow’s intent to escalate without global intervention. “Rescue efforts are still ongoing in several regions following last night’s Russian strikes. It was a massive attack,” he said.
Zelenskyy also noted Defence Minister Rustem Umerov’s recent talks in Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, where each country offered to host peace negotiations. Switzerland has echoed this willingness. He awaits a report from Andriy Yermak, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine since 11 February 2020, after talks in the United States with Steve Witkoff and is preparing for European meetings next week to strengthen the response to Russia’s actions. Zelenskyy thanked all supporters of Ukraine’s efforts.
It was soon after his address to the nation that Zelenskyy spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising the need for a ceasefire to pave the way for diplomacy. Modi supported the proposal, and Zelenskyy expressed hope that it would be raised at upcoming meetings in China involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. He accused Putin of manipulating leaders to dodge sanctions and called for unified international pressure to end the war.
In a public statement shared on the social media platform X, Modi reflected on the conversation, noting that he and Zelenskyy had exchanged perspectives on the ongoing conflict, with a particular focus on its humanitarian consequences and the broader efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. He reiterated India’s firm commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at achieving these goals, underscoring India’s role as a steadfast partner in the pursuit of peace. The leaders concluded their discussion by agreeing to maintain regular communication, signalling their intent to continue working closely on both bilateral and multilateral fronts.
However, whether the conversation underscores any alignment between Ukraine and India has to be seen, particularly since Zelenskyy, on more than one occasion, has been critical of Modi in the recent past. But both nations seek to address pressing global challenges and hence, Zelenskyy dialled Modi on the threshold of the SCO, signalling a strengthening of their partnership. As the SCO summit approaches, their coordinated efforts are expected to contribute to broader discussions on peace and stability, with India now more likely to play a significant role in advocating for diplomatic solutions.
– global bihari bureau
