NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude on Thursday towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for their efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
During his initial public statement regarding Ukraine’s openness to negotiate a ceasefire, Putin indicated that he is in support of the ceasefire proposal but emphasized that it must lead to lasting peace and address the foundational issues of the crisis.
"We all have enough domestic matters to handle. However, many state leaders, including the President of the People’s Republic of China, the Prime Minister of India, the Presidents of Brazil and South Africa, are actively engaging with this issue and dedicating significant time to it," Putin remarked at a joint press conference with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. "We are thankful to them all for their efforts, which aim to fulfill a noble mission—ending hostilities and preventing further loss of life," he added.
Putin confirmed that Russia is amenable to the ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States but noted that several issues remain unresolved. "We concur with the call for a ceasefire (with Ukraine) to halt hostilities, but we believe that such a ceasefire should foster enduring peace and eradicate the underlying causes of this crisis," Putin stated during a news briefing with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
This comment followed Trump’s assertion that “it’s up to Russia now” as his administration continues to encourage Moscow to agree to the ceasefire, after peace discussions between US and Ukrainian representatives concluded with Kyiv agreeing to a 30-day US-supported ceasefire across the entire frontline.
Putin raised questions about what a ceasefire would entail after the recent Ukrainian "incursion" in Kursk. "Does this mean that those involved must vacate the area? Should we release those responsible after they committed numerous offenses against civilians there, or will the Ukrainian leadership instruct them to surrender? The future remains uncertain,” he commented.
Previously, Putin highlighted India as one of the three nations he maintains ongoing communication with regarding the Ukraine dispute, expressing that they are genuinely striving for a resolution.
In July of the previous year, PM Modi visited Russia for the 22nd India-Russia Bilateral Summit and also traveled to Ukraine in August last year.
During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi underscored India’s stance on the peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
PM Modi commended Trump’s initiatives to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict and reiterated India’s belief that a resolution must be sought at the negotiating table. "I have consistently stayed in close touch with Russia and Ukraine. I have met with the leaders of both nations. Many may have the misconception that India is neutral, but I want to repeat that India is not neutral; we are firmly committed to peace," PM Modi asserted in a joint press briefing at the White House.
Additionally, he emphasized, "India contends that solutions to war cannot be discovered on the battlefield, and ultimately, dialogue is essential." He praised President Donald Trump’s endeavors in this realm, expressing hope for quick success. "I have stated that ‘this is not a time for war’ in front of the media while President Putin was present, and today, my conviction remains that solutions to conflict cannot be found on the battlefield, and we must convene at the table," PM Modi concluded.
