Zelensky speaks with India’s Modi, invites PM to visit Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the issue of Russia's sham referenda in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, food and nuclear security, and invited him to visit Ukraine.
This was discussed during a phone call between the leaders, Ukrinform reports with reference to the head of state's press service.
The president noted that all the aggressor's decisions aimed at attempte illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories are null and void and do not change reality.
Zelensky emphasized that under such conditions, Ukraine will not conduct any negotiations with the incumbent president of the Russian Federation, and recalled that Ukraine has always been committed to a peaceful settlement through dialogue.
"However, Russia was not in favor of dialogue, but put forward ultimatums and deliberately undermined 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," the president added.
At the same time, Zelensky thanked Modi for India's support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and also emphasized the importance of the Indian leader's recent statement that now is not the time for war.
The head of state emphasized the importance of strengthening the Ukrainian-Indian partnership against the background of Russian aggression toward Ukraine.
He also noted the significant humanitarian aid provided to Ukraine by the government and the private sector of India.
According to the President’s Office, the parties separately discussed the issue of global food security. Zelensky assured that Ukraine is ready to continue acting as its guarantor, however, the support of the entire international community, in particular India, for the further implementation of the grain initiative remains important.
The issue of nuclear safety was also raised during the conversation.
"Nuclear blackmail on the part of Russia, in particular regarding the Zaporizhia NPP, is a threat not only to Ukraine, but also to the whole world," Zelensky said.
Separately, the president of Ukraine and the prime minister of India discussed cooperation within international organizations, primarily the UN.
During the call, mutual interest in deepening regular full-scale Ukrainian-Indian contacts, as well as implementation of tasks on the agenda of bilateral relations of comprehensive partnership, was noted.
As reported by the President’s Office, Zelensky renewed the invitation to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to visit Ukraine.
As reported, on September 23-27, the Russian invaders held pseudo-referendums in the temporarily captured territories of Ukraine. On September 30, the Kremlin held a ceremony of "acceptance into Russia" of the puppet entities "DPR" and "LPR", as well as the territories of Kherson and Zaporizhia regions of Ukraine captured by the Russian army. The international community did not recognize the legitimacy of the “referenda” spectacle.