On February 24, Russian troops launched a wide-ranging attack on Ukraine, as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with Russia’s action would result in “consequences you have never seen.”
Ukrainian Ambassador Igor Polikha sought India’s intervention on February 24 to help the country deal with the fallout from Russia’s attacks on its military facilities earlier today.
In a statement to the media, Polikha cited the Mahabharata and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pursue diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin in order to assist Ukraine in this time of crisis.
Doctor Igor Polikha, Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, stated: “Some of the attacks occurred on the outskirts of the capital. Some attacks occurred deep within Ukraine’s borders. We are receiving the first reports of casualties among our soldiers and the civilian population.”
He emphasised the importance of India’s intervention at this point, saying: “Several thousand years ago, when Europe had no civilization, India had qualified in diplomacy through Kautilya and Chanakya. India is a powerful global player and, for many years, led the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which was formed during the Cold War.”
According to sources, the government may fly stranded Indians in Ukraine to neighbouring countries.
The Ukrainian diplomat continued: “We are currently pleading with India for political assistance. Modiji, one of the world’s most powerful leaders, has a special relationship with Russia.”
“I’m not sure how many world leaders Putin would listen to, but given Modi ji’s rapport, I believe the Russian President would at least consider his words. We anticipate a much more positive attitude from the Indian government “Polikha explained.
Even on the outskirts of Kiev, Ukraine is said to have suffered its first civilian casualties. There has been fighting in some areas, and five people have been killed, according to information shared by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.Five Russian fighter planes, two helicopters, two tanks, and several trucks have been destroyed.”
Polikha emphasised this to bolster his case “Putin has recently launched a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine. This is an aggressive war, and Ukraine will defend and win. The time has come to act.”
He claims that, despite Russia’s claim that it has only attacked military facilities, Ukraine has suffered civilian casualties as well. There is information, however, that Russian troops are crossing the border.
According to reports, Russia has already launched a special military operation in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, with forces entering Ukrainian territory. An Indian student who spoke to All India Radio about the current emergency situation in Ukraine said they were advised to seek refuge in bunkers.