‘Not time for war’: PM Modi’s message for Putin; warns Ukraine’s Zelensky talks with allies will ‘bear no fruit’, until…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a podcast with Lex Fridman has stated that he could 'sit with President Putin, and say that this is not the time for war’. The PM of India also added that ‘Ukraine may hold countless discussions with their allies, but it will bear no fruit.’

As Ukraine continues to face the Russian invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky has been garnering significant support from the European Union and the UK. This backing has become particularly crucial following a perceived shift in stance from the U.S. under the Donald Trump administration.

Expressing pessimism in the potential for the Russia-Ukraine war to end, PM Modi suggested that until both parties join the negotiations table, there will be no solution, “I can also tell President Zelensky, in a friendly way, that brother, regardless of how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a resolution on the battlefield.”

“The resolution will only come when both Ukraine and Russia come to the negotiating table”, PM Modi added.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, marked by a significant shift in US policy under the Trump administration. Initially, the US paused military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move that was widely criticized by both Democrats and some Republicans, who feared it would embolden Russia.

However, this pause was recently lifted, with the US resuming aid and Kyiv signaling openness to a 30-day ceasefire, pending Russia's agreement.

Since Russia launched its military offensive on Ukraine in February 2022, India has maintained a stance of neutrality, refusing to impose sanctions on Russia despite pressure from the Joe Biden administration to take a side in the conflict.

During the podcast, however, PM Modi's stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict appeared to align with the tone of President Donald Trump, reflecting a shift in the US approach towards not isolating Russia.

Notably, in February, President Trump inaccurately claimed that Ukraine initiated the war with Russia, a statement that has been widely disputed and contradicted by historical evidence.

Ukraine's Support From Allies

The EU has reaffirmed its role as Ukraine's primary strategic ally, urging Russia to agree to a proposed 30-day ceasefire and emphasizing the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine.

The UK, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has also reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine, hosting a 'coalition of the willing' meeting to discuss further military aid and potential peace enforcement mechanisms.

Additionally, the UK has pledged substantial military assistance, including a minimum of £3 billion annually until 2030, as part of a 100-year partnership agreement signed with Ukraine.

Ukraine-Russia War Front

On the war front, despite a proposed 30-day ceasefire suggested by Washington, Putin has expressed conditional support, emphasizing that hostilities will continue until key conditions are met.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Putin of prolonging the war, pointing to a buildup of Russian forces along Ukraine's eastern border as a sign of impending attacks.

Russia has intensified its offensive operations, particularly in the Kursk region and other frontline areas, aiming to capitalize on any temporary advantages.