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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is emphasizing the critical need for timely delivery of military aid from Ukraine’s allies, asserting that his nation cannot depend on promises alone to secure its borders. During his latest televised address, he remarked, “Packages have been announced and approved, but they have yet to reach Ukraine,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. “The frontline relies on actual supplies of munitions and equipment, not on assurances of ‘tomorrow’ or ‘soon.’
Since the beginning of Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine around 30 months ago, Zelenskyy has been actively seeking to rally support from international partners in the ongoing conflict.
The United States has played a pivotal role in bolstering Ukraine’s defense efforts. Recently, the White House announced a forthcoming military-aid package following a conversation between President Joe Biden and Zelenskyy. This new assistance will include essential air-defense missiles, equipment for countering drones, anti-armour missiles, and various types of ammunition, ensuring that Ukraine remains equipped against the ongoing threats.
Although President Biden is not pursuing re-election this fall, he has made it clear that sustaining support for Ukraine will be a priority during the remainder of his presidential term. The results of the upcoming U.S. elections may significantly impact Ukraine’s future assistance, depending on who assumes the presidency thereafter.
Modi’s Diplomatic Mission in Kyiv
In related developments on that same day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Ukraine, marking the first time an Indian leader has traveled to the country since it achieved independence. During his visit, Modi encouraged Zelenskyy to engage in dialogue with Russia in hopes of achieving a resolution to the conflict. This visit comes at a particularly tense moment in the war, with reports indicating that Russian forces are making incremental advances in Eastern Ukraine while Ukrainian troops launch operations in Russia’s Kursk region.
The context of Modi’s visit was reminiscent of his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he had called for peace, triggering frustration in Ukraine, especially as the Indian leader’s previous visit coincided with a Russian missile strike that hit a children’s hospital. In his address, Modi emphasized the importance of dialogue, stating, “The road to resolution can only be found through dialogue and diplomacy,” advocating for prompt discussions between the conflicting sides. He also expressed India’s willingness to facilitate peace negotiations.
The extent to which Zelenskyy welcomed Modi’s plea for dialogue remains uncertain, as diplomatic conversations may be taking place privately. Zelenskyy later communicated in a national address the significance of India’s support for international law, sovereignty, and Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and he recognized Modi’s gesture of honoring the victims of the July hospital strike during his visit.
India’s Relations with Russia
India has maintained a historically close relationship with Russia in terms of economic and defense cooperation. While expressing public disapproval of civilian casualties resulting from the conflict, India has simultaneously bolstered its trade ties with Moscow. Both leaders described the visit as “historic,” even as Modi urged dialogue, a sentiment that went unanswered by Zelenskyy in their discussion.
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Zelenskyy reaffirmed that achieving a cessation of hostilities and establishing just peace remains top priorities for Ukraine. While Ukraine has consistently expressed a desire to end the war, it seeks terms favorable to its interests rather than those of Russia.
Ukraine is advocating for a second international summit later this year aimed at furthering its peace agenda and involving Russian representatives. The first summit had taken place in Switzerland in June, notably excluding Russian participation but attracting numerous delegations, including one from India, though China, one of the largest economies, was not represented. Zelenskyy previously urged Modi to endorse the summit’s conclusions, which India has yet to do.
Subsequently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that negotiations were untenable following Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region on August 6. The top commander of Ukraine’s armed forces has reported the capture of nearly 100 settlements, a strategic move interpreted by military analysts as an effort to divert Russian military resources away from Eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces continue to make gains.
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