iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday asserted that Kyiv will not negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was responding to a telephone call by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had urged the two countries to pursue the path of diplomacy for a cessation of hostilities.
PM Modi reportedly told Zelenskyy that the deployment of nuclear facilities amid the Russia-Ukraine war could lead to catastrophic consequences. During the phone call, the Indian premier expressed his conviction that there can be no military solution to the conflict and conveyed India’s readiness to contribute to any peace efforts. He called for a cessation of hostilities and the need to pursue the path of diplomacy.
Reacting to the referendum in four Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine – Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, Zelenskyy noted that all the aggressor’s decisions aimed at attempting illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories are null and void and do not change reality.
Zelenskyy emphasized that under such conditions. Ukraine will not conduct any negotiations with the current President of the Russian Federation, and noted that “our state has always been committed to a peaceful settlement through dialogue.”
“However, Russia did not stand for dialogue and put forward ultimate instead deliberately undermining this process. During my speech at the session of the UN General Assembly, I outlined our clear formula for peace. We are ready to work together with our partners to achieve it,” added the President of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy thanked PM Modi for India’s support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and also emphasized the importance of the Indian leader’s recent statement that now is not the time for war.
During the conversation, the Ukrainian President emphasized the importance of strengthening the Ukrainian-Indian partnership against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy also noted the significant humanitarian aid provided by the government and the private sector of the Republic of India to Ukraine, added the readout.
Both leaders separately discussed the issue of global food security. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is ready to continue acting as a guarantor of the world’s food security.
“In this regard, the support of the entire international community, in particular India, for further implementing the grain initiative is important.”
The Indian Prime Minister’s Office said he reiterated the importance of respecting the UN Charter, International Law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
“Prime Minister emphasized the importance India attaches to the safety and security of nuclear installations, including in Ukraine. He underlined that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for public health and the environment,” the statement said.
Separately, Zelenskyy and Modi discussed cooperation within international organizations, primarily the UN. Further, Zelenskyy invited PM Modi to visit Ukraine.
Modi’s call to Zelenskyy: Ukraine says won’t negotiate with Putin
