New Delhi: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, continuing diplomatic dialogue days after Modi’s conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people,” Zelenskyy said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
During the call, Zelenskyy informed Modi about ongoing Russian attacks, including a recent strike on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that injured dozens. “This is a deliberate Russian bombing of a regular urban facility. And this is at a time when there is finally a diplomatic possibility to end the war. Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings,” the Ukrainian president said.
Highlighting India’s role, Zelenskyy added, “It is important that India is supporting our peace efforts and shares the position that everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation. Other formats will not deliver results.”
The leaders also discussed sanctions against Russia, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the need to restrict Russian energy exports to weaken Moscow’s ability to fund the war. “I noted that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy, particularly oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war. It is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow.”
Looking ahead, Zelenskyy confirmed, “We agreed to plan a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly and to work on an exchange of visits.”
This dialogue follows India’s recent engagement with both Russia and the United States regarding the Ukraine conflict. On Saturday, India welcomed the US-Russia meeting scheduled for August 15 in Alaska, calling it “a possible breakthrough in ending the war in Ukraine.”
The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “India welcomes the understanding reached between the United States and the Russian Federation for a meeting in Alaska on 15th August 2025. This meeting holds the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up the prospects for peace.”
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s earlier remarks, the statement added, “As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on several occasions, ‘This is not an era of war.’ India, therefore, endorses the upcoming Summit meeting and stands ready to support these efforts.”
