Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke with NDTV on the situation in his country
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in an exclusive with NDTV explains what is happening in his country amid the Russian invasion, in its second month now.
Here are the top quotes:
- It is not just the Ukrainians that are dying. One Indian student was killed in the city of Kharkiv. It was a big tragedy. I would like to express my condolences to the family.
- Ukraine was always a welcoming home for Indian students, especially in Kharkiv. We helped evacuate Indian students, but we hope that they will be back once we end the war.
- If Prime Minister Modi is willing to play the role of a mediator, we would welcome his efforts.
- There is only one person on this planet who wants this war to continue and that is President Putin. If Prime Minister Modi can convince him (Putin) to stop the war and restore global peace and stability, why should we be against that?
- We request the government of India to take advantage of its relationship with Russia, and convince president Putin to stop this war.
- We have made some good proposals to Russia, but we need to see the situation on the ground. Attacks are going on. The talks seem to be disconnected with what is happening on the ground. There has been no meaningful withdrawal from Kyiv and Chernihiv.
- Russia's military officials announced that they are preparing for an offensive in eastern Ukraine, in Donbass. The tactical withdrawal from the North might be a part of the relocation effort.
- Now we are in the second month of fighting and Russia has another ambition to encircle our forces in Donbass.
- Mariupol is the scariest place on Earth. It is hell on Earth. More than 90 per cent of buildings are damaged, the city has no access to water or electricity. Tens of thousands have fled.
- As long as the war goes on and people get killed, it means that we have to do more. More on all fronts including the sanctions front. We already see the impact of sanctions on Russian economy and Russian elite.
- If you see light at the end of the tunnel, make sure that it is not light from an incoming train. We have to be cautious. We have a certain experience of our relationship with Russia.
- I have not seen my own children in five weeks. The only way that I can talk to them is on messengers. I also have two dogs, whom I dearly love, and I have not seen them either. It is painful.
- Certain moderation of language is definitely necessary (on Biden's statements against Putin). Sometimes, it is not words that help you win, it is deeds- very specific action that needs to be taken.
- India did not vote against the Ukrainian resolution in the UN Security Council as Russia was hoping.
- Ukraine has always been a reliable consumer of Indian products, mostly pharmaceutical products, but also a guarantor of India's food security. We always supplied sunflower oil, grains, and other products. So it's a mutually beneficial relationship.
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