Kyiv: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has sought the political help of India on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Following India’s abstain in the UN Security Council meeting on sanctions against Russia on its aggression against Ukraine, Russia praised India’s decision. However, Ukraine Ambassador in Ukraine and Ukraine envoy in UN expressed displeasure on India’s neutral stand.

During a telephonic conversation, Zelenskiy has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the course of the Russian invasion to his country with more than one lakh forces from all sides. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office released the statement that "President Zelenskyy briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine. Prime Minister expressed his deep anguish about the loss of life and property due to the ongoing conflict."

President Zelensky's call to Prime Minister Modi came a day after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke to his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar and sought India's support to a UN Security Council resolution.

"He reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and expressed India's willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts. Prime Minister also conveyed India's deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens, including students, present in Ukraine. He sought facilitation by Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and safely evacuate Indian citizens," it added.

Russia's mission to India, meanwhile, tweeted that it was "highly appreciative" of India's "independent and balanced" position at the UN.

Abstaining from the Security Council resolution allowed India to retain the option of reaching out to all relevant parties to find a middle ground and foster dialogue and diplomacy to defuse the crisis.