Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke on the phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine. Sources said, President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams. During the telephone conversation which lasted for about 50 minutes, Mr Modi urged President Putin to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in addition to the ongoing negotiations between their teams. He appreciated the announcement of ceasefire and establishment of humanitarian corridors in parts of Ukraine, including Sumy.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Sumy at the earliest. President Putin assured Mr Modi of all possible cooperation in their safe evacuation.