NEW DELHI: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said he had a ‘lengthy conversation’ with PM Modi.Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed the talks between the two leaders.
In a statement, PIB said: “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Zelenskyy shared his views on the recent developments related to Ukraine.”“Prime Minister thanked President Zelenskyy and reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at earliest restoration of peace. PM reiterated India’s commitment to extend all possible support in this regard.”“The leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”Zelenskyy said on his social media platform X that they discussed bilateral cooperation in a “lengthy conversation.”“A lengthy conversation with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. We discussed in detail all important issues regarding both bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people, ” Zelenskyy said.The Ukrainian President said that he informed PM Modi about the Russian invasion of its cities and villages.“I informed him about the Russian attacks on our cities and villages, about yesterday’s shelling of the bus station in Zaporizhzhia. Dozens of people were injured. A deliberate strike by Russian bombs on ordinary urban buildings. And this at a time when a diplomatic opportunity to end the war has finally appeared. Instead of demonstrating its readiness to cease fire, Russia only shows a desire to continue occupation and killings,” the Ukrainian president added.Furthermore, Zelenskyy also said that he will meet PM Modi in September.“It is important that India supports our peaceful efforts and shares the position that “everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation.” Other formats will not yield results.”“We also talked in detail about sanctions against Russia. I noted that it is necessary to restrict the export of Russian energy resources, especially oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war. It is important that now every leader who has significant leverage over Russia sends appropriate signals to Moscow.”“We agreed to plan a personal meeting in September at the UN General Assembly and to work out an exchange of visits,” Zelenskyy concluded.PM Modi also confirmed the talks on his X account: “Glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments. I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine.”
