Avoid any actions that could...: PM Modis appeal for Ukraine-Russia after Putins residence attacked
Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, on Monday, alleged that Putin's residence between Moscow and Saint Petersburg came under a drone attack
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed "deep concern" over the alleged Ukrainian attack at the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and called for diplomatic efforts to end the end the ongoing war.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any actions that could undermine them."
The Prime Minister has been urging the two countries to end the four-year war that has killed tens of thousands since 2022.
Putin's residence attacked
Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, on Monday, alleged that Putin's residence between Moscow and Saint Petersburg came under a drone attack. Lavrov claimed that Ukraine carried out the attack, and that Russian forces intercepted and brought down 91 drones at Putin's "official residence" in the Novgorod region.
He also warned that the latest attack would derail the ongoing peace talks and force Russia to revise its negotiating position.
Ukrainian refutes attack claim
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, rejected the allegation, calling it a "typical Russian lie" to justify fresh strikes on Kyiv. He said that Russia's claim "undermined" his shared efforts with US President Donald Trump to end the war.
Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts with President Trump's team. We keep working together to bring peace closer. This alleged "residence strike" story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia's own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war. Typical Russian lies. Furthermore, the Russians have already targeted Kyiv in the past, including the Cabinet of Ministers building," Zelensky wrote on X.
He further said that Ukraine does not take steps that can undermine diplomacy and accused Russia of resorting to such acts. "It is critical that the world doesn't stay silent now. We cannot allow Russia to undermine the work on achieving a lasting peace," he added.
Trump 'angry' about attack at Putin's residence
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump who is helping broker peace between Ukraine and Russia said that he was informed about the alleged attack, which he has been "very angry" about.
"I don't like it. It's not good. I learned about it from President Putin today. I was very angry about it. It's a delicate period of time. This is not the right time. It's one thing to be offensive, because they're offensive. It's another thing to attack his house. It's not the right time to do any of that," he said.
Trump met the Ukrainian President on Sunday in Florida as part of efforts to reach a peace deal to end the conflict. Following the meeting, Zelensky said that the US promised security guarantees in a post-war settlement - albeit for 15 years, with the possibility of an extension. Hours before meeting the Ukraianian President, Trump spoke to Putin over phone.