Zelensky Criticizes Modi’s Moscow Visit Amid Russian Assault on Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed strong disapproval of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow, describing it as a “huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts.” This criticism came on the same day that a Russian missile struck a children’s hospital in Kyiv, killing 28 people, including four children, and injuring 16 others.

Prime Minister Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, near Moscow, while Russian missiles targeted several Ukrainian cities, resulting in at least 38 deaths and 190 injuries. This marked Modi’s first visit to Russia since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began over two years ago.

Zelensky took to social media to voice his disappointment, stating, “It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s criminal in Moscow on such a day.” He was referring to the ongoing deadly Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.

While addressing the Indian diaspora in Moscow, Modi did not mention the Russian strikes but praised the relationship between India and Russia. He announced the opening of two new consulates in the Russian cities of Yekaterinburg and Kazan to facilitate travel and business.

The large-scale daylight bombardment by Russia hit Kyiv and other cities like Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Slovyansk, and Kramatorsk, areas far from the front lines and heavily populated. The attack on Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt hospital, Ukraine’s largest children’s medical center, was particularly devastating as it provides care for some of the sickest children across the country.

The United States has also raised concerns about India’s relationship with Russia. A US State Department spokesperson mentioned that they have directly communicated their concerns to India. “We would hope India and any other country, when they engage with Russia, would make clear that Russia should respect the UN Charter, should respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Despite calling for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and the restoration of peace, India has abstained from all resolutions on Ukraine at the United Nations and has not condemned Russia’s invasion. This stance has drawn criticism from the international community, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

In summary, Zelensky’s condemnation of Modi’s visit to Moscow underscores the tension and disappointment felt by Ukraine and its allies. The continued violence in Ukraine and the diplomatic maneuvers surrounding it illustrate the challenging path towards peace and resolution in the region.