Ukraine-Russia conflict: Ukraine President Zelenskyy writes to PM Modi, requesting additional humanitarian supply

Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova has handed over a letter from President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the Indian Government, requesting for additional humanitarian supplies, including medicines and medical equipment.

The minister, who was on official visit to India between April 10 to April 12. It was the first visit from Ukraine to India after Russia began its invasion of the east European country on February 24 last year.

She handed over the letter from the Ukraine president addressed to Prime Minister Modi, to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi on April 11, according to a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) on April 12.

The two leaders discussed issues of mutual concern on the international and bilateral levels. According to Meenakshi Lekhi, “increased humanitarian assistance” has been promised to Ukraine. The meeting, according to Dzhaparova, was “fruitful.”

During her speech at the Indian Council of International Affairs (ICWA), Dzhaparova responded to a query by saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would like to speak at the G20 summit in India.

Commenting on the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the deputy foreign minister said that India, as a world power holding G20’s current presidency, can contribute more to bringing about peace.

On the issue of Indian medical students, Dzhaparova mentioned that Ukraine will allow foreign medical students to take the Unified State Qualification Exam in their country of domicile.

During her meeting with Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry Sanjay Verma, Dzhaparova briefed him about the prevailing situation in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian minister also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies, official sources informed further.

Verma shared that India has provided medicines, medical equipment and would provide school buses among other things to Ukraine.

The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Kiev on a mutually convenient date. The MEA said the next meeting of the Inter-Governmental commission between the two sides would be held in India.

Since the Ukraine conflict began in February last year, PM Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy a number of times.

In a phone conversation with President Zelenskyy on October 4 last year, PM Modi said that there can be “no military solution” and that India is ready to contribute to any peace efforts. India has reiterated that this is not an era of war. India has emphasised that the conflict can only be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.