If Modi ji contacts, Putin would at least think over it: Ukrainian envoy amid Russian invasion

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Feb 24, 2022: Ukraine envoy to India Igor Polikha sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention amid the Russian invasion. Urging PM Modi to take steps to solve the crisis, Igor Polikha said, "India has a special relationship with Russia and New Delhi can play a more active role in controlling the situation."

 

"We urge PM Narendra Modi to immediately contact Russian President Vladimir Putin and our President Volodymyr Zelensky," Ukrainian Ambassador Igor Polikha said.

"I don’t know how many world leaders Putin may listen to but, the status of Modi ji makes me hopeful. Because of his strong voice, Putin would at least think it over. We are expecting a much more favourable attitude from the Indian Government," he said.

Ukraine envoy to India Igor Polikha said, "It’s a case of blatant aggression. We are getting fresh information about casualties. They say they are attacking only military facilities but we have suffered civilian casualties."

"The Ukrainian forces shot down five Russian planes and two helicopters, tanks and trucks. We have information that Russian troops are crossing the border," Ukraine envoy to India Igor Polikha said.

"India is a United Nations Security Council, non-permanent member. It is an influential global player. I know a lot about your history of diplomacy," Igor Polikha said.

"We are asking, pleading the support of India... In the case of aggression of a totalitarian regime against a democratic state, India should fully assume its global role. Modiji is one of the most powerful and respected leaders in the world," Igor Polikha said.

"He [PM Modi] had a special relationship with Russia. I don’t know how many leaders will Putin listen to. But, with Modi ji’s special partnership, he could play a role. Hope for a favourable role of the Indian government. It’s the moment of truth, the moment of destiny," Igor Polikha said.

Ukraine envoy to India Igor Polikh’s appeal to PM Modi came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine. He said the clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces are "inevitable".

Putin even called on Ukrainian service members to "lay down their arms and go home". He said the special military action was "aimed at demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine".

As Vladimir Putin spoke, explosions were heard in parts of Ukraine including Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro. Ukraine claimed that at least seven people were killed and nine wounded in Russian shelling as of 1:30 pm on Thursday.

Courtesy:India Today