Updated March 14th 2025, 15:03 IST
Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump for their efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Putin's remarks came as he publicly addressed Ukraine's ceasefire proposal for the first time. He confirmed Russia's willingness to discuss a ceasefire, but pressed on the need for clear terms. Putin has long maintained that Moscow seeks a lasting resolution, rather than temporary pauses. The Russian President's gratitude for PM Modi and Trump follows Washington and Ukraine's endorsement of a 30-day temporary truce after a meeting in Saudi Arabia.
The development over the ongoing war comes as a welcome respite in the midst of a protracted conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Putin's statement, made during a joint press conference with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, acknowledged the efforts of several world leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, US President Trump, and the Presidents of Brazil, South Africa and others, in dedicating time and attention to resolving the issue. He asserted that their collective efforts aim to achieve a noble mission, thus leading to ending hostilities and loss of life.
The Russian President's statement has sparked hopes of a potential ceasefire in the conflict. He expressed support for a 30-day ceasefire plan proposed by the US, but also raised concerns about the implementation of such a plan. Ukraine has already agreed to the proposal, which covers the entire frontline. However, Putin stated that any ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and address the main causes of the crisis.
Notably, Putin's praise for the Indian Prime Minister and other world leaders comes after a series of diplomatic efforts by world leaders to resolve the conflict. Earlier, PM Modi had visited Russia in July last year for the India-Russia Bilateral Summit and later travelled to Ukraine in August. During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Modi stressed India's belief in resolving the conflict peacefully through talks and diplomacy.
India has consistently maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, asserting the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. PM Modi's efforts to engage with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders have been appreciated by the international community.
In his meeting with Trump, the prime minister had praised the US President's efforts to help resolve the conflict while reiterating India's stance that the issue should be settled through negotiations. India's role in conflict resolution has been huge, and its efforts to facilitate dialogue between rival nations have been widely acknowledged.
Meanwhile, the Putin's statement has raised hopes of a possible ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, however, the road ahead remains uncertain. The conflict has been marked by repeated ceasefire violations, and it remains to be seen whether the latest proposal will hold.
As the international community continues to push for a peaceful resolution, it is clear that the conflict will require sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve. India's role in facilitating dialogue and promoting peace will be crucial in the days ahead.
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Published March 14th 2025, 15:00 IST