Russia-Ukraine War: India Offers To Contribute To Peace Efforts But Zelenskyy Says He Won't Negotiate With Putin

India has said that there can be no military solution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday (3 October), Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

According to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement, PM Modi expressed his firm conviction that there can be no military solution to the conflict and conveyed India’s readiness to contribute to any peace efforts.

He also reiterated the importance of respecting the UN Charter, International Law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

PM Modi emphasised the importance India attaches to the safety and security of nuclear installations, including in Ukraine.

He underlined that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for public health and the environment.

The two leaders also touched upon important areas of bilateral cooperation, following up on their last meeting in Glasgow in November 2021.

As per the Ukrainian readout of the talks between the two leaders, the referenda held by Russia in the "temporarily occupied territories" of Ukraine was also discussed.

Zelenskyy noted that all the aggressor's (Russia) decisions "aimed at attempting illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories are null and void and do not change reality".

He emphasised that under such conditions, Ukraine will not conduct "any negotiations with the current President of the Russian Federation".

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has always been committed to a peaceful settlement through dialogue.

"However, Russia did not stand for dialogue and put forward ultimata instead deliberately undermining this process. During my speech at the session of the UN General Assembly, I outlined our clear formula for peace. We are ready to work together with our partners to achieve it," Zelensky added, according to the Ukrainian readout.