PM Modi’s Russia visit : Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed deep disappointment following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit has come under scrutiny due to its timing and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“Huge Disappointment…”: Ukraine President Slams PM Modi’s Russia Visit Amid Ongoing War
Zelenskyy’s Sharp Reaction
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Zelenskyy responded to PM Modi’s trip by referencing a recent missile attack by Russia on Kyiv. This attack resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people, including three children, and caused significant damage to nearly 100 buildings, including schools and a children’s hospital.
His tweet included photos of the bombed hospital and babies being transported in ambulances. Zelenskyy’s message highlighted his disappointment with a photograph showing PM Modi and President Putin embracing, which has circulated widely online. Zelenskyy described the image as a “huge disappointment” and a “devastating blow to peace efforts,” criticizing the timing of the embrace on such a tragic day.
PM Modi’s Visit to Russia
PM Modi’s visit to Russia was a delicate balancing act, aiming to maintain India’s longstanding relationship with Russia while also courting closer ties with the West amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This trip marks PM Modi’s first visit to Russia since the war began and his first since being re-elected last month.
During the visit, PM Modi and President Putin shared moments of camaraderie, including drinking tea together on a terrace and a ride in a golf cart. These images, particularly the one of their embrace, have sparked controversy given the current geopolitical tensions.
India’s Stance on the Ukraine Conflict
India has consistently advocated for resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy rather than military means. Sources indicate that PM Modi reiterated this stance during his meeting with President Putin, emphasizing the importance of respecting the United Nations Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“India has always called for respecting the United Nations Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty. There is no solution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward,” PM Modi is reported to have said during the meeting.
PM Modi has also maintained communication with President Zelenskyy. Their interactions include a meeting in Italy last month on the sidelines of the G7 summit, where they were photographed sharing a hug. This was their first face-to-face meeting since the war began, following their initial meeting in May last year at the G7 summit in Japan.
India’s Role in Peace Efforts
Since the onset of the conflict, India has expressed its readiness to contribute to peace efforts. In a phone call with President Zelenskyy in October 2022, PM Modi asserted that there could be “no military solution” to the conflict. India’s position has consistently been that the resolution lies in dialogue and diplomacy.
PM Modi’s recent visit to Russia and his meeting with President Putin underscore India’s complex diplomatic position. While the visit has been seen as a reaffirmation of India’s historical ties with Russia, it has also drawn criticism due to the ongoing violence in Ukraine and the recent tragic events in Kyiv.
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FAQs about PM Modi’s Visit to Russia and Ukraine President’s Reaction
1. Why did PM Modi visit Russia?
- PM Modi visited Russia to maintain India’s longstanding relationship with Russia while also balancing closer ties with the West amid the war in Ukraine.
2. Who did PM Modi meet in Russia?
- PM Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit.
3. What was the Ukraine President’s reaction to PM Modi’s visit?
- Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed disappointment and criticized PM Modi’s visit, especially the image of Modi and Putin embracing.
4. Why was Zelenskyy critical of PM Modi’s visit?
- Zelenskyy was critical due to the timing of the visit, coinciding with a recent missile attack by Russia on Kyiv that resulted in numerous casualties.
5. What did Zelenskyy say in his tweet?
- Zelenskyy called it a “huge disappointment” and a “devastating blow to peace efforts” to see PM Modi embracing President Putin on such a tragic day for Ukraine.
6. What was PM Modi’s message to President Putin during the visit?
- PM Modi emphasized that no solution could be found on the battlefield and that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward.
7. Has PM Modi spoken to President Zelenskyy before?
- Yes, PM Modi has spoken to President Zelenskyy on numerous occasions, including meetings at the G7 summit in Italy and Japan.
8. What has been India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict?
- India has consistently maintained that the Ukraine conflict can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, not military action.
9. How did PM Modi and President Putin interact during the visit?
- They shared moments of camaraderie, including drinking tea together and riding in a golf cart, which were captured in widely shared photographs.
10. What did Zelenskyy criticize specifically about the visit?
- Zelenskyy specifically criticized the photograph of Modi and Putin embracing, which he found particularly disheartening given the recent attack in Kyiv.
11. What was the significance of the timing of PM Modi’s visit?
- The visit took place amid ongoing violence in Ukraine, adding to the controversy and criticism from the international community.
12. How has India offered to contribute to peace efforts?
- India has expressed readiness to contribute to peace efforts and emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.
13. What was the outcome of PM Modi’s previous interactions with President Zelenskyy?
- PM Modi has consistently conveyed that there can be no military solution to the conflict and has advocated for peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
14. What did PM Modi say about the United Nations Charter?
- PM Modi highlighted the importance of respecting the United Nations Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty.
15. How did the international community react to PM Modi’s visit?
- The visit drew mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a reaffirmation of India-Russia ties, while others criticized it due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
16. Has India taken a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict?
- India has attempted to balance its longstanding relationship with Russia while advocating for peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
17. What were the key points of discussion between PM Modi and President Putin?
- The discussions focused on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict and the need to respect international law and sovereignty.
18. What role has India played in international peace efforts?
- India has offered to mediate and contribute to peace efforts, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions to conflicts.
19. How has the war in Ukraine affected India-Russia relations?
- The war has put India in a delicate position, trying to maintain its historical ties with Russia while also engaging with Western countries.
20. What are the next steps for India in terms of its diplomatic approach to the Ukraine conflict?
- India is likely to continue advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, offering to mediate and contribute to international peace efforts.