Ukraine Urges India, Others To Persuade Russia To Stop Fire And Allow Civilians To Leave

Kyiv: Seeking new sanctions against Russia, Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba appealed to the governments of several countries, including India, to urge Russia to stop the ongoing conflict.

In a televised address, Kuleba accused Russia of violating the ceasefire agreements and appealed it to stop shooting to allow civilians, including foreign students, to evacuate.

“For 30 years, Ukraine was a welcoming home for thousands of students from Africa, Asia… to facilitate their (foreign students’) movement, Ukraine arranged trains, set up hotlines, worked with embassies… The Ukrainian government is doing its best,” Kuleba was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

According to the Ukraine Foreign Minister, Russia’s trying to “win the sympathy” of countries that have foreign nationals in Ukraine.

Kuleba said that Ukraine would be able to safely evacuate students if Russia stops “manipulating” the issue of foreign students. “I call on the governments of India, China, and Nigeria, to appeal to Russia to stop the fire and allow civilians to leave,” he said in his televised address.

Kuleba also urged the countries, including India, who enjoy special relations with Russia, can appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin that “this war is against the interest of all.”

“India is one of the largest consumers of Ukrainian agricultural products and if this war continues, it’ll be difficult for us to seed new harvests. So, even in terms of global and Indian food security, it’s in the best interest to stop this war,” Kuleba was quoted as saying.

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