Ukrainian Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk says that any country that calls itself a global leader cannot be neutral regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Neutrality is good but that is not the way. We are not criticizing anybody but if you call yourself a global leader, you cannot be neutral.’’
He was referring to India abstaining from voting in the UNGA resolutions that condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and demanded immediate Russian cessation of aggression.
Since the war began, India has abstained from various votes relating to the conflict.
India has resisted international pressure and chosen to abstain from similar resolutions at the UNGA and the UNSC.
Speaking to Strat News Global, the Ukrainian envoy said, “India wants to be a member of the UN Security Council. Abstaining is not the way.’’
Polishchuk who served as the Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine suggested that India review its policy on Ukraine.
Notably, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that neutrality in this war is untenable.
In a recent opinion piece in a mainstream Indian news daily, Polishchuk who served as the Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine, quoted the Ukrainian President’s position on neutrality.
President Zelenskyy said, “ There can be no neutrality between the aggressor and the victim. Neutrality in this conflict means that you are with Russia.’’
The envoy says that this is a reminder that standing on the sidelines in the face of such clear violations of international law undermines the very principles that bind us as an international community.
The envoy added that India’s power and influence matters a lot.
Ukraine is counting on the Indian leadership because “ you have influence on the Russians definitely.’’
The Ukrainian Ambassador who retired from active duty in 2010 in the rank of Major-General, said that on the pressure of international society, India’s help and all our partners, we can stop this war.
He said that Ukraine, an internationally recognized country is probably the most peaceful in the world but had had to face the horrors of the war.
He said that in 1000 days, 600 children have died due to Russian aggression and over eight million Ukrainians have left the country.
Elaborating his point on the human cost of the war, the Ambassador said, “As of November 2024, about 3.6 million remain internally displaced.’’
“ We want more Indian involvement in the rebuilding of Ukraine,’’ said Polishchuk as Ukraine has reached the milestone of 1000th day of resilience.
Asked when the war would end, Ambassador Polishchuk said, “ It is a question not to Ukraine but to Putin. We are ready to stop the war tomorrow,’’
He added, “ The one person who can stop the war is President Putin. He started it. He can stop it immediately.’’
He said, “ Although our country is going through a hard time because of the war, we are not letting it stop the lives of our people.’’
He said that Ukraine will open a consulate in Mumbai before the end of this year.
“ This consulate will not just be for visa purpose but also economic cooperation.’’
He said, “ In these three years, we have opened more than ten embassies in Africa. We want to be recognized around the world.’’
“ Can you imagine, before the war, there were 22,000 Indian students in Ukraine. Kharkiv was very vibrant and Indian students played Holi and Diwali Now, we have just about 5,000 Indian students.”
In 2022, Indian students across Ukraine constituted almost a quarter of the total number of international students.
Speaking later at an event in New Delhi, the Ukrainian Ambassador described the situation as the most dangerous.
“ We do believe that we will continue to be resilient. Everybody wants peace.’’
He emphasized that Ukraine is defined by its resilience and the unbreakable spirit of its people.
“ We have our friends and our allies.’’
He said that Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India movement was not just a call for freedom, it was a universal statement.
Polishchuk who assumed charge as envoy in August 2023, spoke fairly good Hindi while quoting Mahatma Gandhi.
“ Kissi ki shakti ko dusre rashtra par atyachaar karne ka adhikkar nahi hai.” (No country has the right to oppress another nation), he said to a loud applause.
He also reminded the gathering of Gandhi’s stress on Karma.
“Ukraine’s story is not just ours. It is a part of the global story of humanitarian resilience.”
He added, “ We are here not only because of our own strength but the global community that supports us- our friends, partners and neighbours who believe in our fight for freedom of justice.’’
The envoy said, “ I hope that Ukraine will emerge stronger as our friends even stronger.’’
The Embassy of Ukraine and the Polish Institute New Delhi, organized a special event to commemorate 1000 days of Ukraine’s unbreakable spirit.
The embassy has put up a photo exhibition “Timeline of War’ at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia here.
The exhibits capture scenes from the war from the first day to the 796th day.
The exhibition has been developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. It features 29 unique images by prominent photographers.
A powerful documentary“In the Rearview”, by Polish director Maciek Hamela, was also screened at the club.
The documentary showcases the strength of solidarity amidst Russian aggression.
November 21 holds profound significance for Ukraine, It marks the Day of Freedom and Dignity, a moment of reflection on Ukraine’s people’s unwavering pursuit of democracy, independence, and justice.
