In a heartfelt conversation on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that India stands firmly committed to an early, peaceful end to the war in Ukraine. Speaking just days before the Russia–US summit on the conflict, Modi promised that India would make “every possible contribution” to help restore calm and stability.
The two leaders connected over a long telephone call, exchanging views on both the grim realities of the battlefield and the possibilities for future cooperation. Modi reiterated India’s steady position that dialogue and diplomacy, not violence, pave the road to lasting peace. He also thanked Zelenskyy for sharing first-hand accounts of the latest developments in Ukraine.
On his social media platform X, President Zelenskyy described the talk as “lengthy” and “detailed.” He expressed gratitude for Modi’s warm words of support, while painting a sobering picture of the ongoing war. Zelenskyy spoke of recent Russian strikes, including a deadly shelling at a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that injured dozens of civilians. He condemned these attacks as deliberate acts against ordinary people, coming at a moment when the world finally sees a glimmer of hope for a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy made it clear that any decisions about Ukraine’s future must involve Ukraine directly, warning that outside arrangements without the country’s voice would fail to bring real peace. He also pressed for tougher sanctions against Russia, especially curbs on its energy exports, to weaken its ability to fund the war.
The call wasn’t just about conflict; it was also about connection. Modi and Zelenskyy reviewed the progress of India–Ukraine relations and discussed ways to deepen ties in trade, technology, and mutual cooperation. Looking ahead, they agreed to meet face-to-face in September during the UN General Assembly in New York, with plans to arrange official visits soon after.
Sharing his own thoughts on X, PM Modi said, “Glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments. I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine.”
This exchange was more than a diplomatic routine it was a reminder that even in the shadow of war, there is space for dialogue, empathy, and hope. As the September meeting approaches, the world will be watching to see if conversations like this can help turn the tide toward peace.
