Ukraine eagerly anticipates Bharat’s involvement in a forthcoming peace summit set to be hosted by Switzerland this summer, as it could serve as a significant endorsement to garner support from other nations, especially those in the Global South, stated Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Thursday.
During his two-day visit to New Delhi, Kuleba expressed hope that India would become the first major non-Western power to openly endorse President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace initiative aimed at resolving the conflict triggered by Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Kuleba emphasized the pivotal role Bharat could play, stating that its support for the peace formula would lend legitimacy to international efforts and aid in convincing other nations, particularly in the Global South, to join the initiative.
The dates for the peace summit, to be hosted by Switzerland, are yet to be announced. However, it remains a top priority in Kuleba’s discussions with Bharatiya officials during his visit. Meetings with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri are scheduled, focusing on bilateral cooperation and global issues of mutual interest.
Despite refraining from openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Bharat has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated this stance during phone calls with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on March 20.
Kuleba acknowledged Bharat’s longstanding relations with Russia but suggested that New Delhi could choose to support certain aspects of Zelenskyy’s peace formula, particularly concerning the return of children and prisoners of war, as well as energy security.
Zelenskyy’s peace formula, first proposed at the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022, outlines ten key points aimed at restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, withdrawing Russian troops, confirming the end of war formally, releasing all prisoners, and ensuring radiation and nuclear safety, notably regarding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Notably, Bharat has participated in several meetings discussing Zelenskyy’s peace formula over the past year. While middle-ranking diplomats or the deputy national security adviser represented Bharat in most meetings, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval attended a gathering hosted by Saudi Arabia last August, marking Bharat’s engagement with the peace process.
Bharat’s potential support for Ukraine’s peace efforts signals a significant shift in its foreign policy stance, potentially influencing other countries, especially in the Global South, to join the initiative and work towards resolving the conflict through diplomatic means.
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