Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sees the potential mediation role of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in the Ukraine war as positive. “I am very pleased that the Prime Minister has reiterated his willingness to personally work towards a peaceful, just and speedy end to the war,” Tusk said in Warsaw after talks with Modi. Modi’s mediation offer is significant as he travels from Poland to Kiev. Modi will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky there.
India is neutral on Russia's war of aggression, does not support Western sanctions against Moscow and has repeatedly advocated resolving conflicts through dialogue. “India firmly believes that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives on the battlefield is the biggest challenge facing humanity,” Modi said.
Modi recently visited Moscow in July. A photo of Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin hugging went viral. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the visit at the time.
In the afternoon, the 73-year-old met Polish President Andrzej Duda. It was the first time since 1979 that an Indian head of government has visited Poland.
Poland is one of the most important military supporters of Ukraine, which is under attack by Russia. The EU and NATO country also plays a key role as a logistics hub for Western aid to Kiev. Poland is therefore seen by Russia as an enemy.
