Politico: Ukraine Has Chosen India’s Modi as Key Mediator for Peace Talks with Russia

According to Politico, Ukraine has chosen India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its primary mediator for peace negotiations with Russia. During a recent meeting in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed potential peace agreements with Modi that would ensure the cessation of hostilities.

A senior Ukrainian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to the publication that Kyiv views India as a reliable partner in brokering a peace deal. In summer talks with Kyiv, Modi emphasized that compromises from Ukraine would be necessary, though any proposals to end the war should not include the ceding of territory to Russia.

Previously, Kyiv criticized Modi for his embrace of Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow, but now increasingly sees India as a neutral and promising mediator in negotiations with the Kremlin.

India remains one of the few global powers capable of negotiating with both Moscow and Kyiv, advocating for respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Switzerland and Austria have sided with the EU by imposing sanctions on Russia. Relations between Washington and Moscow are in a deep freeze, and attempts by countries like Saudi Arabia to play the role of peacemaker have failed. China is accused of actively aiding Moscow in its military actions, and Zelenskyy criticized the Brazilian government earlier this month for siding with Russia.

Thus, Ukrainian officials are hopeful that India will take an active role in developing a peace formula, as the country has the capacity to significantly influence global events, states Politico.

On September 24, Zelenskyy met with Modi as part of his visit to the United States. This marks the third bilateral meeting with the Indian Prime Minister this year. According to Zelenskyy, the main focus of the discussion was on strengthening cooperation between the two countries on international platforms, particularly the UN and G20, as well as the implementation of the Peace Formula and preparations for the second Peace Summit.