Ahead of Abu Dhabi peace talks, Jaishankar, Lavrov discuss Ukraine war after PM Modi-Zelenskyy call

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday evening about the Ukraine war and diplomatic efforts to resolve it. The conversation took place on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ahead of planned peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States.

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Jaishankar shared details of his discussion with Lavrov in a post on X. “Our conversation focused on the Ukraine conflict and ongoing diplomatic initiatives,” he said.

The exchange followed PM Modi's telephone conversation with Zelenskyy earlier on Monday. The Ukrainian leader briefed PM Modi on recent developments in the war, while PM Modi conveyed India's willingness to contribute to efforts towards a peaceful resolution. The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation between India and Ukraine in different sectors.

Ukraine peace talks scheduled in Abu Dhabi

The diplomatic exchanges came a day before representatives of Russia, Ukraine and the United States were due to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11. The US-mediated discussions will be their first such talks since February.

US officials have said the agenda includes measures to reduce the fighting, humanitarian issues and security arrangements that could form part of a possible peace agreement.

The Kremlin has confirmed its participation, with presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky expected to head the Russian delegation.

The two sides have differed over the terms of a settlement. Moscow has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its forces from four regions claimed by Russia and abandon its bid to join NATO. Kyiv has rejected territorial concessions and sought an immediate ceasefire along with security guarantees.

India's diplomatic discussions with Russia and Ukraine

Jaishankar has previously said New Delhi is in contact with Moscow, Kyiv and European governments over measures that could limit the impact of the war.

On the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta at the end of October, he identified the protection of civilian vessels and seafarers, the restoration of Black Sea grain shipments and the avoidance of attacks on energy infrastructure as areas under discussion.

Russia-Ukraine war

Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, 2022. However, the conflict between the two countries had already begun in 2014, when Russia seized Crimea and fighting also broke out in eastern Ukraine.

The war has continued for more than four years and is now in its fifth year and has caused deaths, forced millions of people to leave their homes and damaged infrastructure. India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to end the war peacefully.

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