Ukraine envoy seeks PM Modi’s intervention as Russia continues attack

Guwahati: In a desperate attempt to salvage the war crisis in Kyiv, Ukraine’s Envoy Igor Polikha sought India’s intervention as armed conflict with Russia started this morning.

Polikha urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and hold talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin given the ‘special’ ties between Moscow and New Delhi.

Remarking that the situation may get out of control, Polikha said, “Modiji 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.”

“India should be much more actively engaged, given the privileged relation India has with Russia. Not 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.”

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.

India’s ambassador to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said the conflict between the two countries could escalate into a major crisis which has the potential to endanger peace and security in the region.

Expressing concern over the growing tensions along the Ukraine-Russia border at a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine, Tirumurti emphasized that an immediate de-escalation should be a priority so the situation does not take a turn for the worse.

Meanwhile, the Ukraine authorities on Thursday alleged that the Russian forces have seized control of two towns, Shchastia and Stanytsia, in the country’s east.

Russia’s ground force crossed into Ukraine from several directions hours after President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a major offensive. At least, seven people were killed and nine others were left wounded by Russian shelling, claimed Ukraine.

Defence Ministry of Russia, earlier,  said that it had taken out military infrastructure at Ukraine’s air bases and “suppressed” its air defenses. Even Ukraine claimed that it had shot down five Russia plane and one helicopter.

After announcing the military operation in Ukraine, Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences you have never seen”.

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