Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia, describing it as a setback to peace efforts amidst ongoing conflict. During Modi’s two-day visit, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where photos of their warm interaction, including hugs, circulated widely.

Zelenskyy took to social media to express his dismay, particularly on a day when Russia’s missile strike on Kyiv’s largest children’s hospital resulted in the tragic deaths of 37 people, including three children, and left 170 others injured, including 13 children. The strike targeted young cancer patients, causing extensive devastation and casualties.

It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day, Zelenskyy remarked.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also criticized Modi’s visit amidst the Ukraine conflict, questioning India’s stance on the issue given its advocacy for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

Modi’s visit to Moscow marked his first since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022. He expressed appreciation to President Putin for hosting him and looked forward to discussions aimed at strengthening India-Russia ties.

Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia, Modi stated on social media.