Ukraine's envoy to India Dr. Igor Polikha on Thursday sought PM Modi's help and intervention after Russia invaded Kyiv in order to 'demilitarise' it. Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Igor Polikha called PM Modi the 'most powerful global leader and outlined India's strategic relationship with Russia. Not only this, but Ukraine's envoy to India also urged PM Modi to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed his hopes that Moscow will respond to New Delhi.
"Modi ji is one of the most powerful, respected world leaders. You have a privileged, strategic relation with Russia. If Modiji speaks to Putin we are hopeful he'll respond. It's a case of blatant aggression which started at 5 o'clock in the morning. We have confirmed information that a lot of Ukrainian aerodromes, military airports, military installations were attacked by bombs & missile attacks," said Dr. Igor Polikha.
"India should be much more actively engaged, given the privileged relation India has with Russia. Not just for our safety, but of your own citizen's safety too, we need intervention of India," he said, adding, "We do not want protocol statements, it means nothing. We need support from the whole world," added Dr. Igor Polikha.
Also Read: Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Horrifying visuals from the streets of Kyiv leaves world in panic
Ukraine cites Kautilya & other diplomats of Indian history to plead for help
Pleading for India's intervention, Ukraine further cited Kautilya, Chanakya and stated that India was qualified in diplomacy when Europe had no civilization. "India had qualified in diplomacy through Kautilya, Chanakya several thousand years ago when Europe had no civilization. India is an influential global player and for many years, was the leader of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which was created at the time of the cold war," said Dr. Igor Polikha.
India's stance over the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Indian Ambassador to the United Nations TS Tirumurti has called for 'immediate de-escalation' of the Russian military on the part of the Kremlin. Urging 'all parties' to exert efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis, India advocated for a peaceful settlement in accordance with international law and agreements. While India has not appeared to have chosen sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, its voice for peace and global security has not taken a back seat.