Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to Visit India After PM’s Invite, Visit Dates Under Discussion

Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, confirmed that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit India soon, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the exact dates still being finalised.

Speaking to ANI on Ukraine’s National Flag Day, Polishchuk said, “The Indian Prime Minister invited Zelensky to come to India. Both sides are working on this. We expect President Zelenskyy to be in India, definitely. It will be a great achievement in our bilateral relationship. We are trying to agree on a precise date.”

The ambassador highlighted India’s importance in peace negotiations due to its ties with Moscow and called for a more active Indian role in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. “We expect more Indian involvement in the peace-building process in Ukraine, particularly in political negotiations with the Russians,” he said.

Polishchuk noted that India’s stance on the conflict aligns with Kyiv’s vision for a peaceful resolution. “India supports peace and dialogue with all partners, including the Russian Federation, to achieve peace in Ukraine,” he said. He also referred to Prime Minister Modi’s earlier statement that India is “not neutral” but firmly committed to peace and dialogue.

The ambassador stressed that ties between India and Ukraine have strengthened since 2023, with both countries exploring the potential for a future strategic partnership. “Regarding the declaration about a future strategic partnership between India and Ukraine, we truly have the potential for that,” he said. He added that India has engaged “very intensely” with Ukraine over the past year, with multiple meetings between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy at the UN.

On wider diplomatic efforts, Polishchuk said Kyiv remains open to negotiations, depending on Moscow’s approach and Western support. “The United States is one of our biggest supporters. My President clearly sent the message after the Alaska meeting that we are ready for talks,” he said, referring to Zelenskyy’s recent meeting with US President Donald Trump following Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Polishchuk expressed hope that India will play a more active role in peace efforts, given its longstanding ties with Moscow, and noted that progress may be seen during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September.

Last week, President Zelenskyy extended greetings to PM Modi and the people of India on the occasion of the nation’s 79th Independence Day, expressing hope that India will play an important role in global peace initiatives, especially in ending the ongoing war with Russia.