Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, amidst a tragic event in Ukraine. On the same day as their diplomatic engagement, a Russian missile struck a children’s hospital in Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least 37 people, including three children, and injuring 170 others, including 13 children.
Zelenskyy expressed his dismay and frustration, calling it a “huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts” to witness the leader of the world’s largest democracy engaging with what he termed as “the world’s most bloody criminal” on such a tragic day. The Ukrainian president took to social media platform X to voice his concerns, highlighting the brutal consequences of the missile strike that specifically targeted young cancer patients at the largest children’s hospital in Ukraine. Many victims were trapped under debris following the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia was scheduled for the 22nd Annual Summit between India and Russia, held from July 8 to 9 in Moscow. The visit, initiated at the invitation of President Putin, aimed to bolster bilateral relations and strategic cooperation between the two nations. However, the timing of the summit coincided with a critical escalation in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, drawing international attention and criticism.
Also Read: PM Modi’s Russia Visit: Key Highlights And Updates
The tragic incident underscores ongoing global tensions and humanitarian crises, prompting renewed calls for diplomatic resolutions and international intervention to mitigate further escalation. As world leaders navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, the fallout from such high-profile meetings amidst humanitarian crises raises profound questions about the priorities and responsibilities of global leadership in times of crisis.
The aftermath of the missile strike has intensified global calls for immediate ceasefires and humanitarian aid to affected regions in Ukraine, emphasizing the urgent need for concerted international efforts to address escalating conflicts and uphold peace and stability worldwide.