KYIV, Oct 3: Ukraine is prepared to examine India’s proposal for a ceasefire with Russia, describing it as the most comprehensive of four initiatives presented to Kyiv, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.
Sybiha told reporters in Kyiv that proposals had been put forward by India, Türkiye, Egypt and the United States. According to European Pravda, he said the Indian initiative was the “broadest” and indicated that Kyiv was willing to explore a pause in hostilities involving energy facilities and the Black Sea.
“We have four proposals. The broadest one is India’s proposal,” Sybiha said, adding that Ukraine could accept a truce involving the energy sector and the Black Sea if both elements were addressed together.
Kyiv has stressed that any temporary halt should extend beyond battlefield operations. Ukraine wants protection for energy installations, ports and other critical infrastructure, along with arrangements concerning activity in the Black Sea.
The Ukrainian foreign minister’s remarks came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to encourage a negotiated settlement. Putin said Modi regularly raises the conflict during their meetings and has “very good ideas” for reaching solutions acceptable to both sides.
Putin and Modi discussed the Ukraine conflict during their meeting ahead of last month’s BRICS summit in New Delhi. The Russian leader briefed the Indian prime minister on developments surrounding Moscow’s military campaign and ongoing diplomatic initiatives.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had also recently welcomed India’s involvement in efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. Moscow has indicated that it supports New Delhi’s emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy.
The latest Ukrainian position comes as Russian attacks on the country continue to intensify. Kyiv has repeatedly urged Moscow to agree to an unconditional halt along the frontline, while Russia has opposed such an arrangement and argued that negotiations should focus on a broader settlement.
The Black Sea remains a major concern for Ukraine because of continued military activity affecting ports, infrastructure and commercial shipping. Any arrangement covering the maritime area would therefore have implications for both security and international trade.
The conflict began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has resulted in extensive civilian casualties, mass displacement and severe damage to residential and essential infrastructure. Despite multiple diplomatic initiatives, the two sides have yet to reach a lasting peace agreement.