Ukraine-Russia war: Zelenskyy dials PM Modi, raises issue of oil trade; to meet in-person soon

NEW DELHI: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said he had a 'lengthy conversation' with PM Modi.Furthermore, Zelenskyy said on his social media platform X that he will meet PM Modi in September."A lengthy conversation with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. We discussed in detail all important issues regarding both bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people, " Zelenskyy said.The Ukrainian President said that he informed PM Modi about the Russian invasion of its cities and villages."I informed him about the Russian attacks on our cities and villages, about yesterday's shelling of the bus station in Zaporizhzhia.

Dozens of people were injured. A deliberate strike by Russian bombs on ordinary urban buildings. And this at a time when a diplomatic opportunity to end the war has finally appeared. Instead of demonstrating its readiness to cease fire, Russia only shows a desire to continue occupation and killings," the Ukrainian president added.Furthermore, Zelenskyy also said that he will meet PM Modi in September."It is important that India supports our peaceful efforts and shares the position that "everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine's participation."

Other formats will not yield results.""We also talked in detail about sanctions against Russia. I noted that it is necessary to restrict the export of Russian energy resources, especially oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war. It is important that now every leader who has significant leverage over Russia sends appropriate signals to Moscow.""We agreed to plan a personal meeting in September at the UN General Assembly and to work out an exchange of visits," Zelenskyy concluded.