Russia has expressed readiness to accept any overtures of peace from India on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian ambassador to India Denis Alipov said. This is while the war enters its fourth year with former US President Donald Trump’s initiative for ending the war gathering momentum, unlike the previous US stance of supporting Ukraine and joining Russia.
Addressing CNN-News18 in an interview, Alipov greeted India’s middle path, noting that the nation has been prudent not to join the war side. He emphasized that Russia is willing to listen to serious proposals, stating, “We are open. President Putin has also demonstrated willingness to consider all serious proposals, provided they address the root causes of the conflict.”
Repeating Russia’s age-old tale, which recently has been the popular one in the Trump presidency, Alipov named NATO expansion as the primary cause of the war. Russia has years ago argued that the accession of Eastern European states to NATO encroaches upon its security.
President Putin called this expansion a main reason for the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the aim of overthrowing the government of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and installing a pro-Russian government. The war has been ongoing for three years, however, with Ukraine retaining roughly 80 percent of its territory despite heavy Russian casualties.
Alipov also stressed the necessity of a collective security system acceptable to Europe and Russia. “Europe cannot be secured without Russia, and Russia cannot be secured without Europe. There is a pressing need for a security formula acceptable to all,” he stated.
For the US-Russia relations, Alipov emphasized the importance of dialogue, which acknowledged that both nations are progressing at a slow pace in their relations. “This process will not be quick, but it is a good development that the Trump administration is willing to sit down and negotiate based on mutual respect,” he said. He emphasized the importance of reviving direct communication, highlighting the importance of embassy work in both nations to achieve peaceful settlements.
On India’s response to the war, Alipov commended the country for playing an active role, stating, “India has shown a constructive approach, calling for dialogue and diplomacy.” While berated in the West for refusing to denounce the invasion and continuing Russian oil imports, India persists with diplomacy instead of war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally informed Putin in 2022, “This is not an era of war,” signaling India’s preference for finding peaceful means.
Alipov concluded by assuring India’s willingness to pursue peace efforts and stated, “India has indicated that it is prepared to be helpful. We welcome that. Currently, our priority is dialogue with the US, which is important to us along with it.”
