On September 30, Putin had announced annexation of four areas ofUkraine. The Russian President made announcement to this effect after holding ‘referendums’ last week.
New Delhi: A couple of weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of partial mobilisation of its forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday talked with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the prone. The Prime Minister reportedly raised his concern over safety of nuclear installations in Ukraine which is engaged in a fierce battle Russia since February this year.
According to the reports, both the leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy. He expressed his firm conviction that there can be no military solution to the conflict and conveyed India’s readiness to contribute to any peace efforts. Prime Minister also reiterated the importance of respecting the UN Charter, International Law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
Prime Minister emphasized the importance India attaches to the safety and security of nuclear installations, including in Ukraine. He underlined that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for public health and the environment.
The two leaders also touched upon important areas of bilateral cooperation, following up on their last meeting in Glasgow in November 2021.
Russian President Valdimir Putin had on September 21 announced a partial mobilisation in the country. This had come at a time when the war in Ukraine reached close to seven months.
Putin had said, “We are talking about partial mobilisation, that is, only citizens who are currently in the reserve will be subject to conscription, and above all, those who served in the armed forces have a certain military specialty and relevant experience.”
The announcement had come barely a day after Russia-controlled regions in east and south Ukraine decided to hold votes on becoming integrated with Russia. If Moscow is able to take control of those parts of Ukraine, Russia may step up its efforts on the battlefield.
Putin’s announcement had come days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told him this is not an era of war. “Excellency, I know today’s time is not a time for war,” PM Modi had told Putin in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand when the two leaders began their first face-to-face meeting since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Replying to Modi, Putin had said he wants to end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible and understands that India is concerned about the war. “I know your position on the conflict in Ukraine, your concerns…We will do our best to end this as soon as possible,” Putin had said. The Russia-Ukraine was begun in February.
Later on September 30, Putin had announced annexation of four areas ofUkraine. The Russian President made announcement to this effect after holding ‘referendums’ last week. Russia had formally incorporated Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia region into its territory in a Kremlin ceremony.
Putting, while addressing the people, had said, “Russia will defend its land by all means. This is the liberation mission of the Russian people. It will ensure safety of all these regions and will restore infrastructure also.” Leader installed by Russia for all four regions were also gathered for annexation ceremony.