Ukrainian Zelenskyy Seeks Indian Prime Minister Modi’s Help In Peace Plan – CNN – S Chronicles

CNN —

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday he was counting on India’s help to implement a “peace formula” during a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The call comes as New Delhi is trying to strengthen trade ties with Moscow after becoming one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil – defying Western sanctions and offering a key financial lifeline to Russian President Vladimir Putin while the Kremlin wages an unprovoked war against its neighbor.

“I announced the peace formula and now I count on India’s participation in its implementation,” Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter. “I also thanked the United Nations for humanitarian assistance and support.”

In a statement following the call, the Indian government said Modi had repeated his calls “for an immediate cessation of hostilities” and “a return to dialogue and diplomacy.”

“The Prime Minister also conveyed India’s support for all peace efforts,” the statement added.

Zelenskyy presented a 10-point peace formula to world leaders at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia in November. India took over the presidency of the G20 this month and will hold it until next year.

“The Prime Minister outlined the key priorities of India’s G20 Presidency, including giving a voice to developing countries’ concerns on issues such as food and energy security,” the New Delhi statement said.

While India has not officially condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Modi told Putin in September that now is not the time for war, stressed the need to “embark on a path of peace” and reminded the Russian leader of the importance of “democracy, Diplomacy”. and dialogue.”

Modi was also seen as a key figure in the G20’s decision to issue a joint statement “strongly” condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine.

India, a nation of 1.3 billion people, has repeatedly said its decision to increase purchases of Russian energy was to protect its own interests as a low-income country.

According to Portal, Russia last month sent India a list of more than 500 products for possible delivery, including parts for cars, planes and trains.

According to state media, Putin said on Sunday he was ready to negotiate “acceptable solutions” regarding the war in Ukraine. In response, a Zelenskyi adviser said Moscow “does not want negotiations but is trying to evade responsibility” as it continues to target civilians.