New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over reports of Ukrainian drones targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence, emphasising that diplomacy remains the best path to end the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated he was “very concerned” by the news of the alleged targeting of the Russian President’s home in the Novgorod region. “Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace,” he wrote, urging all parties to avoid actions that could derail these initiatives.
On Monday, Russia claimed that Ukraine launched 91 drones in a bid to strike Putin’s Valdai residence, terming it a “terrorist act” and vowing retaliation. However, Kyiv has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them fabricated and accusing Moscow of using the narrative to justify further aggression and sabotage peace talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted sharply, expressing bewilderment and disappointment at India’s response alongside those from the UAE and others. “It’s confusing and bad that India and some countries condemned our supposed drone attacks on Putin’s residence — which never happened,” Zelenskyy said in a press conference. He highlighted Russia’s ongoing strikes on Ukrainian civilians, including children, questioning why those have not drawn similar condemnation from the same nations.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed this, noting no evidence has been provided by Russia nearly a day later. As the nearly four-year war drags on, this exchange underscores the delicate balancing act for neutral players like India in advocating peace amid escalating accusations.