In the Face of Russian Invasion, "If Modi-Ji Speaks To Putin": Ukraine Envoy

As the armed war with Russia began this morning, Ukraine's envoy Igor Polikha requested India's immediate intervention, stating, "India is a global force to be reckoned with... We are asking for India's strong voice to be heard ".. Mr Polikha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "one of the most powerful, respected" world leaders, despite the fact that the issue might spiral out of hand. "You and Russia have a special, strategic relationship. We expect Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin) to reply if Modi ji speaks to him "At a press conference in New Delhi, he stated.

After weeks of escalating tensions between Russia and its smaller neighbour, Mr Putin ordered a "special military action" this morning. Russian tanks and other heavy equipment entered various northern districts, as well as separatist-controlled areas in eastern Ukraine that Russia legally recognised as independent states and the Kremlin-annexed Crimean peninsula in the south.

"Given India's privileged relationship with Russia, it should be far more actively involved. We require India's help not just for our safety, but also for the safety of your own citizens "Mr Polikha was referring to the approximately 15,000 Indians who are now residing in Ukraine and who the government is attempting to evacuate. 

Mr Polikha also used India's history and mythology in his address to recount the country's involvement in diplomacy and the non-aligned movement.

"I've dealt with India since I was a student, and I'm well-versed in your diplomatic past." You have a lot of smart folks on your team... "Like Chanakya, or Kautilya as he is often known," he remarked, "about 2500 years ago, when there was no civilisation in the major areas of Europe." 

He also mentioned the Mahabharata, claiming that there were active attempts to resolve the conflict long before the war. "India was one of the architects of the world's famous five principles, "Panchsheel... That's why we're asking for, pleading for India's help right now," he added.

"Putin has now begun a full-fledged attack on the United States. They need to put a stop to Putin right now. It's an instance of outright aggression... The statement from Russia is disingenuous. Not only are military installations being attacked, but civilians have also been killed "he stated 

Also read : Ukraine sought India's backing to fight against Russian military

Mr Polikha, who described the confrontation as "unexpected," said their President had been "repeatedly calling for bilateral dialogue with Russia, but (there was) no answer" for weeks. "We don't want protocol statements since they're useless. The entire world must rally behind us "Added he.

India has already urged for a de-escalation of hostilities, claiming that if the situation is not stabilised, it will "spiral into a massive catastrophe" that will badly destabilise the region. 

TS Tirumurti, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said, "We express our serious worry over the developments, which, if not managed carefully, may possibly endanger the region's peace and security."

"We demand an immediate de-escalation of the situation and a halt to any additional actions that could exacerbate the situation. We urge all parties to make greater efforts to reconcile their divergent interests "Mr. Tirumurti expressed his thoughts.

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