In a heartfelt message, Ukrainian envoy Olena Ilchuk on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine during its ongoing war with Russia, describing India as a ‘Global South leader’ and calling for more nations to stand ‘on the right side of history’.
Ilchuk, serving as Third Secretary at the Ukrainian embassy in India, made these remarks during the News18 SheShakti 2025 event in New Delhi, where she participated in a discussion titled ‘Diplomacy through Her Lens’ alongside Lithuanian Ambassador Diana Mickevičienė.
The envoy praised India’s consistent diplomatic stance, noting PM Modi’s repeated message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that ‘this is not an era of war’.
PM Modi has urged peaceful dialogue and negotiation as the only way forward in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“First of all, I want to say a huge thank you on behalf of Ukraine for the humanitarian aid. India is definitely a Global South leader,” Ilchuk said. “We need more countries on the right side of history.”
Ilchuk shed light on the devastating impact of the war on Ukrainian civilians, particularly women and children.
She described the plight of mothers who fled their homes under constant shelling to protect their children, often becoming refugees without warning or preparation.
“Many women would not have left Ukraine if not for the war. Now, they are struggling to rebuild their lives, juggling work, education, and caring for their families while trying to maintain normalcy,” she added.
Criticism of Russia’s Diplomatic Moves
Ilchuk expressed scepticism about recent Russian diplomacy, particularly following a meeting between President Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska.
“Even during that meeting, Ukraine was being bombed. That tells you everything about Russia’s so-called diplomacy,” she said.
She further argued that the war is about more than territory.
“It is an existential war. “Russians reject Ukrainian identity, language, and the idea of our sovereignty,” she stated.
Joining the discussion, Lithuanian Ambassador Diana Mickevičienė countered Russian claims that NATO poses a threat to its borders.
She said China was the last country to attack Russia, in 1969. “There’s no justification for fearing NATO’s presence unless you’re looking for conflict.”
Despite reports suggesting that Putin may be open to peace negotiations with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, the Kremlin has downplayed expectations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that any discussion on Ukraine’s security guarantees must include Russia, calling attempts to bypass Moscow ‘a road to nowhere’.
Lavrov further criticised the recent Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, labelling it a clumsy move to alter Trump’s stance on the war, and cast doubt over any imminent high-level talks.
As geopolitical tensions persist, more nations increasingly acknowledge India’s role as a neutral, humanitarian actor.
Prime Minister Modi’s calls for peace, coupled with tangible support like humanitarian aid, have elevated India’s status as a moral and strategic leader in the Global South.
The statements from the Ukrainian envoy underline India’s growing diplomatic influence, particularly in complex global conflicts where balanced leadership is vital.
Also Read: PM Modi, French President Macron Hold Key Talks On Ukraine, Gaza & Strategic Ties
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