“Direct conversation” with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine may help Moscow find a solution to the ongoing war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. Mr. Modi spoke with the Russian leader after a similar conversation with Mr. Zelensky when he conveyed Indian concerns on the evacuation of the students stranded in the Ukrainian city of Sumy.
“Prime Minister Modi welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope that they would lead to a cessation of the conflict. He suggested that a direct conversation between President Putin and President Zelensky may greatly assist the ongoing peace efforts,” a press statement issued by the government said.
Russia and Ukraine held three rounds of inconclusive talks in Belarus with the latest round held on Monday evening. Mr. Zelensky has in recent days been more vocal in seeking a direct conversation with President Putin.
