Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Martyrologist Exposition at the National Museum of History of Ukraine in Kyiv on Friday, paying tribute to children who have lost their lives amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Prime Minister Modi took to social media, expressing his condolences: “President Zelensky and I paid homage at the Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv. Conflict is particularly devastating for young children. My heart goes out to the families of children who lost their lives, and I pray that they find the strength to endure their grief.”
PM Modi Express Sorrow
The leaders placed toys at the ‘Children’ multimedia exhibit and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the young victims of the conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) note that PM Modi deeply move by the display and express sorrow over the tragic loss of young lives. The MEA added that Modi placed a toy at the exhibit as a mark of respect.
Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin briefed both leaders on the history of the exposition and the devastating July 8 rocket attack on Okhmatdyt, Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital.
Also Read: Hugs And Handshake, PM Modi Meets Zelensky At Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv
President Zelensky Comment
President Zelensky comment, “Today in Kyiv, Prime Minister Modi and I honoured the memory of the children whose lives were taken by Russian aggression. Children in every country deserve to live in safety. We must make this possible.”
The Ukrainian president’s office reported that 570 Ukrainian children have lost their lives since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, a figure that continues to rise. The ‘Children’ multimedia project, inaugurated in June 2022, commemorates these young lives with names and photos of those killed during the conflict.
Shared A Warm Hug And Handshake
During the visit, PM Modi and President Zelensky shared a warm hug and handshake, with Modi placing a supportive hand on Zelensky’s shoulder, emphasizing India’s solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
Before his meeting with Zelensky, PM Modi paid floral tributes at the Gandhi statue in Kyiv. He reflected on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, posting on social media, “Paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Kyiv. The ideals of Bapu are universal and give hope to millions. May we all follow the path he showed to humanity.”
The two leaders also engaged in one-on-one and delegation-level talks focused on finding pathways to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Modi’s visit coincided with Ukraine’s National Flag Day on August 23.
Earlier, PM Modi arrived in Kyiv following a 10-hour train journey from Poland on Rail Force One. He was greet warmly at the station and later met with the Indian diaspora at the Hyatt Hotel. This visit is significant effort by India to facilitate dialogue and contribute to resolving the ongoing conflict.
