Modi, Zelenskyy Talk Ukraine Peace

New Delhi:Just days after speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening held a phone conversation with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which he reaffirmed “India’s steadfast and consistent position for a peaceful settlement of the (Russia-Ukraine) conflict.”

President Zelenskyy said he had a “long conversation” with Modi, during which “sanctions against Russia were discussed in detail.” He stated that he “noted that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy, particularly oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war,” adding that “every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia should send the corresponding signals to Moscow.”

Zelenskyy also conveyed that “it is important that India is supporting our peace efforts and shares the position that everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation,” stressing that “other formats will not deliver results.” He said the two leaders “agreed to plan a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly and to work on an exchange of visits.”

The conversation comes ahead of the planned summit between US President Donald Trump and President Putin in Alaska on August 15. Ukraine and major European powers are concerned that any deal struck directly between Washington and Moscow to end the conflict might not be acceptable, particularly if it involves ceding eastern Ukrainian territory to Russia. It is unclear whether the US will allow President Zelenskyy to attend the Alaska summit.

China remains the largest importer of Russian oil, followed by India, and both nations maintain close ties with Moscow. The US recently imposed an additional 25 per cent penalty on Indian imports of Russian oil, drawing criticism from New Delhi. Ukraine has also previously voiced its opposition to India’s purchases of Russian oil. New Delhi, however, has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy between Russia and Ukraine, stating that “this is not the era of war” and that “solutions cannot be found on the battlefield.”

In its statement on Monday evening, the Prime Minister’s Office said: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Zelenskyy shared his views on recent developments related to Ukraine. Prime Minister thanked President Zelenskyy and reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for a 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 leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They agreed to remain in touch.”

President Zelenskyy, in his own statement, said: “I had a long conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We discussed in detail all important issues, both our bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people. I informed him about the Russian attacks on our cities and villages, including yesterday’s strike on the bus station in Zaporizhzhia, where dozens were injured in a deliberate Russian bombing of a regular urban facility. This is happening at a time when there is finally a diplomatic possibility to end the war. Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings.”

He further said: “We also discussed in detail the sanctions against Russia. It is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy, particularly oil, to reduce its ability to finance this war. We agreed to plan a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly and to work on an exchange of visits.”

On the upcoming Putin-Trump summit in Alaska, New Delhi recently stated: “India welcomes the understanding reached between the United States and the Russian Federation for a meeting in Alaska on 15 August 2025. This meeting holds the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up prospects for peace. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on several occasions, ‘This is not an era of war.’ India, therefore, endorses the upcoming summit meeting and stands ready to support these efforts.”