New Delhi:Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope for peace from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the ongoing war with Russia. In a recent interview, Zelensky suggested that PM Modi has the potential to make a difference, even urging him to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky wants Modi’s assistance in repatriating “1,000 Ukrainian children” back to Ukraine from Russia.
In an interview with the Times of India, Zelensky stated, “PM Modi can impact the end of the Ukraine war. His role is significant in any conflict, and it holds great importance for India.” Speaking about PM Modi’s potential role in peace negotiations, Zelensky added, “Without any doubt, this can happen in India, and PM Modi is capable of making it happen… But I think we need to prepare ourselves… and in our format since the war is on our land. We have a platform, which is the Peace Summit.”
During the discussion, Zelensky also mentioned that Ukrainians are facing their third tough winter. He emphasized that Ukraine is working on strengthening its energy systems step-by-step to protect its citizens. Zelensky further criticized the recent BRICS summit held in Russia, calling it ineffective. He added, “Putin seeks to divide the world into the so-called West Plus and BRICS Plus. Even proposals from Brazil and China are unacceptable to him… It is like a slap for both China and Brazil.”
Referring to PM Modi’s previous statement on seeking peace in Ukraine, Zelensky commented, “Modi is the PM of a major country… A country of this scale doesn’t just say it’s interested in ending the war. PM Modi has the capacity to influence the war’s outcome. Blocking Russia’s economy, cheap energy resources, and defense industry will reduce Moscow’s capacity to wage war against us.”
The Ukrainian president urged Modi to help return children forcibly deported to Russia. In his statement to the Times of India, Zelensky added, “You can pressure Putin to return Ukrainian children… PM Modi can use his influence to ask for at least 1,000 Ukrainian children to be brought back home.”