Russia Vs Ukraine: India Calls For Immediate End To Hostilities As War Toll Rises

New Delhi: India is deeply concerned at the latest escalation of conflict in Ukraine, which has resulted in civilian deaths and damage of infrastructure.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Monday, reiterating India’s stand on the war between Russia and Ukraine and stating that escalation of hostilities is in no one’s interest.

“We urge immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue,” MEA said.

“India has consistently maintained since the beginning of the conflict that the global order is anchored in the principles of the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” the statement added.

This is not the first time that New Delhi has urged Russia and Ukraine to end hostilities.

Russia launched multiple missile strikes on several Ukrainian cities, including capital Kyiv, on Monday days after Ukraine’s alleged truck bomb damaged an important bridge linking Russia with the annexed Crimea.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said at least 11 people were killed and 64 wounded in Monday’s Russian missile attacks.

In a video message, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the weekend Crimea bridge attack as a ‘terrorist act’ and warned of severe response if such attacks continue.

“Crimea bridge blast is an act of terrorism; Ukraine’s special forces are behind the bridge attack. Ukraine has also tried to blow up the Turkish Stream pipeline… if attacks continue against Russia, the response will be harsh,” Putin was quoted as saying.