Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised India’s “clear position” on the Russia‑Ukraine conflict following a high‑level meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Kyiv. Zelenskyy said India’s consistent call for peace and its commitment to ending the war reflects a stance that “the world needs today.”
During their discussions, the two leaders reviewed efforts to halt Russia’s offensive, the worsening Black Sea security situation, and growing threats to civilian shipping. Zelenskyy stressed that blocking food supplies to regions dependent on maritime routes is “absolutely unacceptable,” accusing Russia of disrupting global relations by targeting Ukrainian ports and food corridors.
Zelenskyy also revealed that Ukrainian fighter jets intercepted jet‑powered Shahed drones, allegedly developed with Iranian assistance, during Jaishankar’s visit — ensuring the Indian delegation’s safety. He said Ukraine’s combat aviation “protected our friends,” underscoring Kyiv’s message that major global powers must take a clear stance to secure lasting peace.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote that Ukraine is grateful for India’s commitment to ending what he called Russia’s “unjust war.” Jaishankar, meanwhile, said he was “pleased to call on” Zelenskyy and briefed him on talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The meeting comes at a time when Kyiv is pushing for broader international engagement, especially from influential nations like India, which has maintained a balanced diplomatic approach since the war began. Zelenskyy reiterated that “this is not a time of war,” urging collective global action to restore stability.