India-Russia relations based on Soviet legacy, won’t last for centuries : Ukraine

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba

New Delhi – “The cooperation between India and Russia is largely based on the Soviet legacy, but this is not the legacy that will be kept for centuries; it is a legacy that is evaporating”, said Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Minister of Ukraine, who is on a 2-day visit to India. He was speaking in an interview given to NDTV.

1. Dmytro Kuleba added that I believe India-Ukraine relations can have a good future; But if India and Russia are so close, India can use it to influence Russia’s behaviour. India’s voice is very important globally and we need it for peace in Ukraine.

2. Reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s statement on Russia-Ukraine war, Kuleba said that this is not an era of war. India can play an important role in bringing the countries of the ‘Global South’ (Southern Hemisphere) together for peace. If India participates in any meeting to bring about peace in Ukraine, other countries will find it more convenient to participate in this meeting as well. This will improve relations between Ukraine and India and increase respect for international law. No one can change the border by force, this message will go to the world. No country can invade and oppress its neighbours.

3. On the source that India bought oil from Russia during the war, Kuleba said that oil transactions are done in Indian currency. It does not help Russia and therefore we have no problem with it.

Editorial Perspective

India should tell Ukraine, which supports Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, not to deliver predictions about India’s ties with its allies.