S Jaishankar in Ukraine; India offers help to end Russia-Ukraine war

KYIV: India has offered to help end the Russia-Ukraine war, which has continued for more than four years, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said. He made the remarks after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv.

Jaishankar said India was ready to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. He reiterated India's position that a lasting solution to the conflict can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Sybiha also discussed possible areas of cooperation, including infrastructure, medicines and technology. Maritime security was another key issue raised by Jaishankar. Indian sailors had lost their lives during clashes between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea.

Jaishankar expressed condolences over those killed in the war and also pointed to the death of an Indian national in a recent Russian airstrike in Kyiv. He is also scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Sybiha said he hoped the peace efforts would gain new momentum.

Putin does not rule out peace deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin said there was a possibility of reaching an agreement to end the war. He was speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok on Thursday. Putin also said several countries were ready to support peace efforts and thanked them for their willingness to help.

Challenge remains

Meanwhile, both sides continue to carry out attacks in populated areas. Ukraine's intensification of drone attacks has further angered Russia.