Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly expressed serious apprehension regarding alarming reports emerging from Russia. On Tuesday, December 30, the Indian leader stated he was "deeply concerned" by claims that the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin had been targeted. Emphasising India's consistent stance, PM Modi highlighted that sustained diplomacy remains the only practical route to end hostilities and secure lasting peace.
Modi's Call for Restraint and Diplomacy
Taking to the social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi outlined his position clearly. "Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation," he wrote. The Prime Minister further stressed that "ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace." He made a direct appeal to all parties involved, urging them to remain committed to these diplomatic channels and to avoid any actions that could potentially sabotage them.
Escalating Tensions Between Russia and Ukraine
The context for PM Modi's statement is a fresh wave of accusations between the warring nations. On Monday, Russia levelled a serious charge against Ukraine, accusing it of attempting to attack President Putin's official residence. Moscow vowed retaliation for this alleged incident, although it did not present any public evidence to support the claim. Kyiv swiftly dismissed the allegation as a "complete fabrication," suggesting it was a tactic to derail challenging peace negotiations.
This heated exchange has dealt a significant blow to the fragile prospects for peace in Ukraine. According to a Reuters report, Russia indicated it was reviewing its stance in the ongoing talks as a direct response to the reported attack. Meanwhile, President Putin adopted a defiant posture, instructing his military to continue operations aimed at securing full control of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. The Kremlin reiterated its demand for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the remaining parts of the Donbas area they still hold.
International Reactions: Trump's Account
The incident drew reactions from beyond the immediate conflict zone. Former US President Donald Trump revealed that President Putin personally informed him about the alleged attack during a phone call on Monday morning. Trump stated the news had angered him. "It's one thing to be offensive. It's another thing to attack his house. It's not the right time to do any of that," Trump told reporters outside his Florida residence.
Interestingly, this call with Putin occurred just a day after Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Florida. Following that meeting, Trump had expressed optimism, suggesting the two sides were "getting a lot closer, maybe very close" to a deal to end the war, despite unresolved territorial issues. After speaking with Putin, Trump admitted he had no further details on the attack and said U.S. intelligence would investigate, remarking, "I don't like it, it's not good."
The situation underscores the extreme volatility in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Modi's intervention highlights the global concern over any escalation that threatens diplomatic channels, which India and many other nations see as the essential foundation for any peaceful resolution.
