New Delhi: In a striking geopolitical contrast, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in peace dialogues with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the BRICS summit in New Delhi, the European Union (EU) announced a massive ₹67,575 crore (approximately €6.1 billion) financial assistance package to Ukraine specifically aimed at procuring advanced weaponry.
During the bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi reportedly conveyed to President Putin the urgent need to end the ongoing conflict, reiterating that India has always been on the side of peace. The Russian President is currently visiting the Indian capital to attend the highly anticipated BRICS meetings and engage in high-level bilateral discussions. This marks Putin’s second visit to New Delhi since the Russia-Ukraine war erupted in February 2022, his last visit having taken place in December 2025.
However, thousands of miles away, the West’s stance remained firmly entrenched in military support. Simultaneously with the Delhi peace talks, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the substantial financial package for Kyiv. According to the EU, the funds will be strategically utilised by Ukraine to enhance its aerial combat capabilities, primarily through the purchase of drones and missiles.
The European Union stressed that the financial injection would empower Ukraine to acquire vital Patriot air defence systems to secure its skies against relentless Russian bombardments. In her statement, von der Leyen reaffirmed the bloc’s unwavering commitment to Kyiv, noting, “We will continue to help Ukraine. Europe’s security is our responsibility. Europe cannot be secured without Ukraine.”
Adding to the coordinated Western support, Canada also pledged substantial backing just a day earlier on September 10. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to provide ₹2,420 crore in assistance to fortify Ukraine’s defence infrastructure. Emphasising the necessity of the aid, Carney stated that bolstering Ukraine’s air defences has become critical as Russia escalates its “barbaric aerial war, indiscriminately targeting civilian populations.”
The concurrent events—diplomatic pushes for peace in New Delhi set against the backdrop of significant military funding from the West—underscore the complex and deeply polarised nature of the prolonged conflict, which has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and shows little sign of an immediate resolution.