Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeals to allied nations, saying Kiev is needs weapons on time, not promises, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
"On-time delivery is critical right now. Some packages have been announced and voted on, but have not yet been delivered to Ukraine. Battles at the front are fought with shells and equipment, not with words like "tomorrow" or "soon", Zelensky emphasized in his regular televised address.
After today's meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Zelensky emphasized that India supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
„It is important for us that India remains a supporter of international law and supports our sovereignty, our territorial integrity,”, noted Zelensky. He added that he appreciated the fact that Modi began the visit by paying tribute to the children who died in the Russian strike on a children's hospital in July.
India, which has traditionally maintained close economic and defense ties with Moscow, has publicly criticized the deaths of innocent people in the war, but has also strengthened its economic ties with Moscow, Reuters notes.
Both leaders described Modi's visit as "historic" in his statements during the meeting, in which Modi spoke second and Zelensky had no opportunity to respond to the Indian Prime Minister's call for dialogue. The Ukrainian president said that "the issue of ending the war and a just peace is a priority for Ukraine".
Modi urged President Zelensky to sit at the negotiating table with Russia to end the war in Ukraine and offered to act as a friend to help bring peace.
"The way to solving the problem can only be found through dialogue and diplomacy. And we must move in this direction without wasting time. The two countries should sit together to find a way out of this crisis," Modi said in Kiev. "I want to assure you that India is ready to play an active role in all efforts to achieve peace. If I can personally play any role in this, I will, I want to assure you as a friend," he added.
The first visit by an Indian prime minister in Ukraine's modern history took place at a volatile time in the war launched by Russia in February 2022. Moscow has been making slow gains in eastern Ukraine amid Ukrainian units encroaching on Russian territory.
For now, it is not immediately clear what Kiev thinks of his remarks and whether they are related to the upcoming November presidential elections in the United States, which is a close ally of Ukraine, Reuters notes.