Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart on Saturday — reiterating support for a ‘peaceful settlement’ of the ongoing war. The conversation took place even as the Indian leader geared up for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.
“Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction,” Modi wrote on X.
The Prime Minister’s Office also confirmed the interaction — adding that Zelenskyy had “shared his perspective on the recent developments related to Ukraine” during the call. The readout shared by Indian authorities said that Modi had reaffirmed the “steadfast and consistent position” held by India towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace.
“President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared his perspective on the recent developments related to Ukraine. Prime Minister thanked President Zelenskyy and reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for the peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace. PM reiterated India’s commitment to extend all possible support in this regard,” the PMO shared.
Russian mass drone, missile attack on southern Ukraine
The interaction came even as Russia launched a mass attack on southern Ukraine — two days after a rare airstrike on central Kyiv killed 23 and damaged European Union diplomatic offices. Among other locations hit, the assault overnight into Saturday struck a five-story residential building, killing at least one civilian and wounding 28 people, including children, in the Zaporizhzhia region. Russia launched 537 strike drones and decoys, as well as 45 missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Ukrainian forces had shot down or neutralised 510 drones and decoys and 38 missiles.
(With inputs from agencies)