Russia-Ukraine crisis: Ukrainian envoy seeks PM Modi's intervention
Ukrainian envoy to India Igor Polikha on Thursday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention as Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the country. Stating that Modi is "one of the most powerful, respected" world leaders, Polikha said, "If Modi Ji speaks to Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin), we are hopeful he'll respond." Notably, India has called for a complete de-escalation between Russia and Ukraine.
Why does this story matter?
The weekslong tensions along the Russia-Ukraine border escalated dramatically on Thursday morning after Putin announced Moscow's decision to launch a 'military operation' in Ukraine. The attack by Russia is the biggest by one state against another in Europe since World War II. The development comes after Russia recognized independence for two separatist states in eastern Ukraine and ordered troops to move in there.
India should fully assume its global role: Polikha
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Polikha said India is a "very influential global player," and asked for a "strong voice" from the country. "At the present moment, we're asking, pleading for support of India," he said. "In case of aggression of totalitarian regime against the democratic state, India should fully assume its global role," Polikha added.
'India should be much more actively engaged'
Highlighting that India has "privileged strategic relations" with Russia, Polikha said, "India should be much more actively engaged." "Not just for our safety, but of your own citizens' safety too, we need the intervention of India," he added. Polikha was referring to over 20,000 Indian nationals, including students, who are still stranded in various parts of Ukraine, including border areas.
Polikha refers to India's history, mythology
"I know a lot about your history of diplomacy. You had such bright guys.....like Chanakya, or Kautilya, approximately 2500 years back," he said. Referring to Mahabharata, Polikha said even before the war, there were active attempts to solve the conflict. "India was among the architects of the world-famous five principles, Panchsheel...That's why at this moment we are asking, pleading the support of India."
'Not only military, we have suffered civilian casualties'
"Putin has just launched a full-blown attack. They must stop Putin now. It is a case of blatant aggression....the Russian statement is cynical. They are not just attacking military installations but we have suffered civilian casualties," Polikha said.
Present situation in Ukraine
Polikha said the "blatant Russian aggression" started at 5 am on Thursday. "A lot of Ukrainian aerodromes, military airports, military installations were attacked by bombs & missile attacks," he said. "Ukrainian side shot down 5 Russian fighter planes, 2 helicopters, we destroyed 2 tanks & several trucks," Polikha added. He further said the Russian troops have attacked at several locations in Ukraine.
We need support from the whole world: Polikha
Polikha added that the Ukrainian President has been repeatedly asking for bilateral negotiations with Russia for weeks but there was no response. "We do not want protocol statements, it means nothing. We need support from the whole world," Polikha added.
India calls for immediate de-escalation
Meanwhile, at the United Nations Security Council meeting on Thursday, India called for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities, saying, "the situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis." India also expressed "deep concern" over the developments and cautioned that they "may well undermine the peace and security of the region." However, India has refrained from naming Russia directly for its actions.
