Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the critical importance of sustained diplomatic engagement to resolve ongoing hostilities and secure enduring peace in Eastern Europe. In a recent social media statement, the leader urged all involved nations to maintain focus on negotiation efforts and refrain from actions that could jeopardize these delicate peace processes.
This appeal for calm coincides with serious allegations from Russian officials. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reported that Ukrainian forces launched a significant aerial assault involving 91 long-range attack drones targeting President Vladimir Putin’s official residence in the Novgorod region during the night of December 28-29. According to Lavrov, Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed all incoming drones, with no casualties or property damage resulting from falling debris.
The timing of this alleged attack has drawn particular attention from Moscow. Lavrov highlighted that the incident occurred during intensive negotiations between Russian and American diplomats working toward a resolution to the Ukrainian conflict. In subsequent remarks, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova delivered a strongly worded condemnation during an appearance on Rossiya 1 television. She characterized Kyiv’s leadership as ‘a genuine, bloodthirsty terrorist regime with neo-Nazi foundations’ and promised that Ukraine would face consequences for what she described as acts of terrorism.
The juxtaposition of India’s call for diplomatic resolution with Russia’s accusations against Ukraine highlights the complex international dimensions of the ongoing conflict and the challenges facing peace negotiations.