Russia-Ukraine war: India and Ukraine discuss peace efforts and battlefield updates in Cyprus

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Wednesday in Cyprus. The talks covered the Russia-Ukraine conflict, battlefield updates, and moves towards peace. The meeting happened alongside the EU foreign ministers’ informal Gymnich Forum. Both sides also reviewed bilateral cooperation and agreed to keep regular contact.

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Sybiha said the discussion centred on Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and recent developments at the front. Sybiha highlighted what was described as Ukraine’s growing initiative. Sybiha also referred to Russia’s pressure tactics and attacks. Sybiha mentioned a recent massive strike on Kyiv.

Russia-Ukraine conflict discussed at Gymnich Forum

Jaishankar called the interaction useful in a social media post. Jaishankar said the two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and on bilateral cooperation. Sybiha also posted about the meeting and Ukraine’s position. "Our message is clear: we want to end this war and achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace,\" Sybiha said.

Sybiha said Russia tried to intimidate Ukrainians through terror, but Ukraine stayed determined. Sybiha said the two foreign ministers also shared views on peace efforts. Sybiha also underlined the need for stronger global engagement. \"As Europe steps up its responsibility, we would welcome Indias strong voice and input,\" Sybiha said.

India’s stance on Russia-Ukraine conflict and diplomacy

India has repeatedly urged dialogue and diplomacy to address the Ukraine conflict. India has also kept close relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said this is not an era of war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also offered India’s support for peace efforts.

Jaishankar visited Cyprus to join the informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers. The gathering was expected to focus on major geopolitical and strategic issues affecting Europe and the wider region. The Gymnich meetings take place periodically. They are used to discuss geo-economic challenges, security issues, and strategic matters.

Jaishankar meetings on West Asia and India-EU cooperation

On the sidelines, Jaishankar met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The two discussed the evolving situation in West Asia. Jaishankar also met EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Their talks covered India-EU cooperation and regional developments in West Asia.

In another social media post, Jaishankar thanked Kallas and Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos for the invitation. \"Arrived in Cyprus to participate in the Informal Meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers - Gymnich,\" Jaishankar said. The meetings in Cyprus also created space for bilateral talks.

With inputs from PTI