Zelensky speaks to Modi ahead of Ukraine-Russia talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday spoke ‌to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of trilateral talks with Russia and the US ​in Abu Dhabi.

The negotiators are expected ​to hold the first meetings in months ⁠on Tuesday and Wednesday, just as ​Russia is targeting Ukraine’s energy and logistics ​hard ahead of winter.

Kyiv said it would separately hold consultations with European and NATO representatives also present ​on site.

“The Prime Minister has said ​more than once, including directly to the Russian ‌leader, ⁠that now is the time to end the war, not to continue it,” Zelensky said on X after his call with ​Modi.

He also ​said ⁠that India was ready to mediate in establishing corridors for grain ​exports in the Black Sea, ​blocked ⁠by Russian attacks.

Modi’s office did not elaborate but said the PM conveyed India’s readiness ⁠to ​contribute “to all efforts aimed at ​peaceful resolution of the conflict”.