New Delhi, Aug 12 (UNI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described his telephone
conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday as ‘’important’’ and said they had
discussed in great detail the possibilities for influencing Russia’s position in the war.
‘’An important conversation took place with the Prime Minister of India. Prime Minister Modi and I discussed in great detail the possibilities for influencing Russia’s position. I remember how the Prime Minister of India has said more than once that our time is not a time for war. And real steps are needed to make this a reality–peace is needed,’’ President Zelenskyy said in a statement.
Prime Minister Modi and the Ukrainian President had a telephonic talk yesterday in which they discussed the situation in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are meeting in Alaska on August 15 to discuss peace in Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy said everyone is united by an understanding of clear facts. First–Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Second–issues concerning the war against Ukraine must be resolved only with Ukraine’s participation. Third–Russia must take the necessary steps to end this war.
‘’So far, Russia has not taken a single step,’’ he said.
He said Ukraine continues to engage with the United States at all levels. The Office team, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and everyone needed for effective work–all are involved.
Meanwhile, Russia has said Moscow and Washington will be working ‘’vigorously and hard’’ on the practical and political parameters of the August 15 Alaska summit for peace in Ukraine and expect the process not to be simple.
However, both countries will be engaged in it actively and consistently.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Aide Yury Ushakov said both Russia and the United States are close neighbours and share borders. ‘’So it does make sense if our delegation simply crosses the Bering Strait and if such an important and expected meeting between the two leaders ta0kes place specifically in Alaska.’’
He said it is in Alaska and in the Arctic that the economic interests of both countries converge and prospects for implementing large-scale mutually beneficial projects arise. However, the Presidents will undoubtedly focus on discussing ways to reach a sustainable settlement to the Ukraine crisis.
He said Russia would expect the next meeting between the Presidents to be held on Russia’s territory and an invitation to that effect had already been made to the President of the United States.
President Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence and military command had reported on what President Putin is counting on and what he is actually preparing for, including military preparations.
‘’He is definitely not preparing for a ceasefire or an end to the war,’’ the Ukrainian President said.
He said President Putin is determined only to present a meeting with America as his personal victory and then continue acting exactly as before, applying the same pressure on Ukraine as before.
So far, there is no indication whatsoever that the Russians have received signals to prepare for a post-war situation. On the contrary, they are redeploying their troops and forces in ways that suggest preparations for new offensive operations. If someone is preparing for peace, this is not what he does, President Zelenskyy said.
‘’We continue to keep our partners informed about the real situation on the battlefield, in diplomacy, and in Russia’s planning of further actions,’’ he said.
