Russia thanks India for readiness to help resolve Ukraine conflict

 

Russia on Wednesday expressed gratitude to India for its readiness to contribute to resolving the Ukraine conflict and said Moscow welcomed the ideas being offered by New Delhi.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the remarks while responding to a question about media reports that India had sent a new three-part proposal for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

"Indeed, India is declaring readiness to make a feasible contribution to resolving the situation surrounding Ukraine, and we are grateful to our Indian friends for such readiness and the ideas that are being offered," Peskov was quoted as saying by the state-run TASS news agency.

His remarks came days after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described India's proposal for a possible ceasefire with Russia as the "broadest" among four offers received by Kyiv. The other proposals came from Turkiye, Egypt and the US.

"We have four proposals. The broadest one is India's proposal. We are ready for an energy and Black Sea ceasefire, but only in this combination," Sybiha told reporters in Kyiv on Friday, according to the European Pravda newspaper.

The comments come as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year, with thousands of civilians killed and millions displaced since the conflict began.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "very good ideas" on finding a mutually acceptable settlement to the conflict.

"As for Prime Minister Modi's position on ending wars, I can say that he is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good, even friendly relations, including at the personal level, constantly raises the issue and asks questions about ending the conflict in Ukraine," Putin said at the annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

He said Modi raises the issue at every meeting between the two leaders and takes a keen interest in efforts to end the conflict.

"He has very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions," Putin said, according to TASS.

Ahead of the BRICS summit in New Delhi last month, Putin and Modi held talks during which the Russian leader briefed the Prime Minister on the Ukraine conflict and ongoing peace initiatives.

Peskov had also said last month that Russia would welcome peace efforts by India and that Moscow's position was aligned with New Delhi's emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy.

India's reported proposal comes amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Sybiha said Kyiv was prepared to consider a ceasefire covering not only combat operations but also attacks on energy and port infrastructure and the situation in the Black Sea.

The Black Sea has emerged as a highly dangerous commercial shipping zone amid escalating missile and drone attacks by Russia and Ukraine targeting ports, infrastructure and merchant vessels.

Sybiha has repeatedly called for an unconditional ceasefire along the front line. Moscow has rejected such a ceasefire, saying a comprehensive peace agreement should be reached instead.