Modi speaks to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russia attacks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The leaders spoke about the evolving situation in Ukraine. PM Modi thanked Zelensky for his support in the evacuation of Indian nationals and sought his continued support toward the effort, officials said. Modi will also speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
India takes no sides in Russia-Ukraine conflict
India has largely refused to take sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict even as most nations have jumped to Kyiv's support. India is notably an ally to Russia. On March 4, India abstained from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote on an independent inquiry into Russia's actions in Ukraine. India has maintained that it remains focused on trying to evacuate its nationals from Ukraine.
Modi spoke to Zelensky last on February 26
Modi has spoken to Putin twice and Zelensky once since war broke out in Ukraine due to Russia's invasion. The PM had first talked to Zelensky on February 26, hours after India abstained from a UN Security Council vote on deploring Russia's actions. During his conversation with both the Presidents, Modi had called for an "immediate cessation of violence."
Modi prioritized open dialogue during call with Putin
Speaking to Putin earlier, Modi had called for "concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue." He had further discussed with Putin the safe evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine in another call.
Nearly 16,000 Indians evacuated from Ukraine
India has evacuated 15,920 of its nationals via 76 flights under its "Operation Ganga" since the war broke out. Roughly 700 Indians, mainly students, still remain stranded in the Ukrainian city of Sumy. Officials have been deployed in Poltava near Sumy to facilitate the safe evacuation of Indians from the city. India had earlier said that 20,000 of its nationals were present in Ukraine.
Russia announces ceasefire to let civilians leave
Russia on Monday said it will cease fire and open "humanitarian corridors" in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and Sumy starting at 10 am (local time) or 12:30 pm IST. This will allow civilians to leave the war-hit cities. However, Ukrainian officials said that Russia has violated the ceasefire. Reportedly, three civilians trying to flee Irpin were killed by mortar fire.
