Modi can influence end of war: Ukraine’s president Zelenskyy sees India as key mediator amid ongoing conflict

World News: In an exclusive interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's influence to potentially mediate a resolution to the Ukraine war. Zelenskyy emphasized Modi’s diplomatic potential, stating, “PM Modi can influence the end of the Ukraine war. This is the huge value of him in any conflict. This is the huge value of India.” When questioned about negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, Zelenskyy added, “Undoubtedly it can be in India and PM Modi can really do that… but I think we need to prepare ourselves … only according to our format because the war is in our land… we have the platform which is the peace summit.”

Ukraine’s rising challenges amid Russian pressure

Ukrainian forces are experiencing intensified pressures as Russia gains ground in the Donbas region. Compounding this is the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming U.S. presidential election, which may affect Kyiv’s access to military aid. Washington’s support has been crucial for Ukraine’s defense, and a potential reduction would be a “huge setback,” according to Zelenskyy.

The victory plan and NATO membership

Discussing his recently announced Victory Plan, Zelenskyy clarified, “The Victory Plan is not a bargaining chip or a topic of negotiations with Russia… We are not asking for quick Nato membership because that is not possible during the war.” He expressed that an invitation to NATO would secure Ukraine’s position in future peace negotiations, discouraging potential conflicts.

Zelenskyy calls for Modi’s assistance on children’s return

In a pointed request, Zelenskyy urged Modi to help return Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia, saying, “You can force Putin to bring back Ukrainian children… Let PM Modi bring back at least 1,000 Ukrainian children.”