Kuleba to focus on Russian ‘withdrawal’ in India meeting
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will focus on “complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory” during talks in Delhi. He is expected to arrive here later this week. Diplomatic sources indicated that his visit would provide Ukraine an opportunity to engage Indian interlocutors in a frank dialogue ahead of the planned peace initiative in Switzerland that will convene soon to discuss the war in Ukraine.
A source in Ukraine said Mr. Kuleba will push for “complete withdrawal of Russian forces back to the 1991 borders”, during his presentations to Indian policymakers. Mr. Kuleba will be the seniormost representative of Ukraine to visit India since the war broke out.
India’s economic relationship with Russia has broadened after Moscow was hit by western sanctions in the spring of 2022. Russia then turned towards India, China and other developing economies.
This drew criticism from Mr. Kuleba who in August 2022 had said: “When India purchases Russian crude oil (at a discount), they have to understand that the discount has to be paid by Ukrainian blood... We expected more practical support from India to Ukraine.” However, despite such passionate arguments, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in the past week alone has reiterated that India and Russia have always enjoyed a “positive relationship”
On Tuesday, Mr. Kuleba spoke with Josep Borrell , High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to update him about the Russian ballistic missile strikes.
He was assured of greater EU commitment to the antiRussia front. Ukraine has already invited India to be part of the Global Peace Summit, which will test India’s proclaimed neutral stance in this lingering crisis.