Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed that he maintains regular contact with India, China, and Brazil regarding the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing their sincere efforts to help resolve it. His remarks were reported by the state-owned TASS news agency on Thursday, following the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok. According to Politico, Putin also mentioned, “If there is a desire of Ukraine to carry on with the negotiations, I can do that.”
Putin’s statement comes shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Ukraine, where Modi held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“We respect our friends and partners, who, I believe, sincerely seek to resolve all issues surrounding this conflict, primarily China, Brazil, and India. I constantly keep in touch with our colleagues on this issue,” Putin was quoted as saying by TASS.
In a separate statement, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Izvestia that India could play a crucial role in establishing a dialogue on Ukraine. Highlighting the strong rapport between Modi and Putin, Peskov noted that Modi has access to firsthand information from key players in the conflict, stating, “The Indian Prime Minister freely communicates with Putin, with Zelenskyy, and with the Americans.”
“This presents a significant opportunity for India to assert its influence in global affairs, encouraging both the Americans and Ukrainians to show more political will and pursue a peaceful resolution,” Peskov added.
Also Read | Muhammad Yunus Critiques India’s Portrayal of Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh
However, Peskov also clarified that there are currently “no specific plans” for Modi to mediate in the conflict, noting, “At this time, no preconditions exist for talks.”
During his visit to Ukraine on August 23, Modi conveyed to Zelenskyy that both Russia and Ukraine should urgently begin direct negotiations to end the war. Modi reiterated India’s readiness to take on an active role in the peace process.
Also Read | SpaceX Employees Warned Against Travel to Brazil Amid Musk’s Escalating Feud with Supreme Court
The nearly nine-hour visit marked the first time an Indian prime minister had traveled to Ukraine since its independence in 1991. Modi’s trip followed summit talks with President Putin just six weeks earlier, which had raised concerns in some Western countries.
In his conversation with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Modi reaffirmed India’s stance on peace since the start of the conflict and expressed his willingness to contribute personally to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
