Ukraine's Ambassador to India Igor Polikha on Friday, 24 February, called for India's immediate intervention in the wake of the military operation launched by Russia in Ukraine earlier in the day, stating that Ukraine was "deeply dissatisfied" with India's position on the crisis.
Stating that "they were waiting for active support of the Indian leadership in stopping this war," Polikha was quoted as saying by news agency ANI:
"You have a privileged, strategic relation with Russia. If Modi ji speaks to Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin), we are hopeful he will respond."
"The recommendations and statement of your Ministry of External affairs – that was India is closely following the development of events. We are deeply dissatisfied with this position. Now, 50 people have been killed. When hundreds and thousands will be killed in this case, what will happen? Will follow more closely?" he was quoted as saying by NDTV.
What Else Did the Ukrainian Envoy Say?
Polikha pointed out that Indian engagement was imperative not just for the safety of Ukraine but for the well-being of the Indian citizens in the nation.
He further made references to Indian mythology and diplomatic history, reiterating the need for an expedited intervention.
"I'm dealing with India from my young student years and I know a lot about your history of diplomacy. You had such bright guys… like Chanakya, or he is otherwise called, Kautilya, approximately 2,500 years back when on the major parts of Europe, there was no civilization," Polikha said according to ANI.
Polikha added that they didn't need protocol statements as of now, but the world to stand by them. "They are not just attacking military installations but we have suffered civilian casualties," he said.
India had urged for the de-escalation of hostilities in the United Nations (UN) earlier in the day, saying that the conflict might "spiral into a major crisis" if it remained unchecked.
"We express our deep concern over the developments, which if not handled carefully, may well undermine the peace and security of the region," India's Permanent Representative to UN, TS Tirumurti, was quoted as saying.
Ukraine's Request Completely Understandable: Tharoor
Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that Ukraine's request to India to intervene in the matter was completely understandable.
"Our stand has been that we do not support invading other countries and regime change through violence & war," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
He also said that it was a pity that India had gone silent on the matter.
"Russia is a friend and there could be some legitimate security concerns but for India to go suddenly silent on it will be seen as a disappointment by Ukraine and its friends," he added.
"It does not reflect well when a country like India who aspires for UN Security Council seat goes completely silent on internationally recognised principles."
Tharoor said that if the Chinese decided to march into India, "we would want other countries to stand up for us."
"If Ukraine expects us to speak to Russians, then atleast we should try and be counted on the right side of the issue," he added.
He went on to say that he too had received several messages for intervention.
"There are 24,000 students from India whereas 2,300 are from Kerala who are stuck in Ukraine and I have too received messages for intervention. Since air-space is closed there is no practical way to fly them back to the country," he said.
(With inputs from ANI and NDTV.)
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