Zelensky: Modi’s hug with Putin a “devastating blow” to peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused India of sustaining Russia‘s “war economy” through its continued purchase of Russian crude oil, calling for New Delhi to take a stronger role in supporting Ukraine‘s peace efforts. In a media briefing following his discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Zelensky highlighted India’s significant influence on the Russian economy and urged Modi to consider halting oil imports from Russia.

Zelensky’s comments came in the wake of a Russian missile strike on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, coinciding with Modi’s visit to Moscow for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian leader questioned Putin’s respect for India, noting that the attack occurred during the official visit of the Indian prime minister. Zelensky sarcastically pointed out that while Putin spoke of peace with Modi, his military forces were simultaneously attacking Ukrainian civilians.

Zelensky expressed disappointment in the optics of Modi embracing Putin, describing it as a “devastating blow” to global peace efforts. He dismissed any notion that Putin might not control the Russian military, asserting that the Russian president is fully responsible for the actions of his armed forces.

During their talks, Zelensky discussed Ukraine’s ongoing peace summit mechanism with Modi, urging India to play a more active role. He made it clear that Ukraine would not compromise on its territorial integrity or democratic values as part of any peace negotiations. Zelensky invited India to contribute to any of the ten points of his peace formula, proposed in 2022, or to offer its own vision for advancing peace efforts.

India, which participated in preparatory meetings for the peace summit hosted by Switzerland in June, did not endorse the joint communique. Zelensky suggested that the next global peace summit could be held in India, but only if India aligns more closely with Ukraine’s peace objectives.

Zelensky emphasized the importance of India choosing a side in the conflict, rather than maintaining a neutral stance between Ukraine and Russia. He expressed his desire to visit India and further the dialogue between the two nations, stressing the need for India to support Ukraine’s cause.