KYIV, Aug 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a historic visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv under the shadow of war to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in what is being seen as a reflection of India’s concerns over the continuing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.It is the first-ever visit to Ukraine by an Indian prime minister after Ukraine became independent in 1991, and his trip comes amid Kyiv’s fresh military offensive in Russia’s western Kursk region.
On his arrival following a nearly 10-hour train journey from Poland, Modi was accorded a warm welcome by members of the Indian community at the Hyatt Hotel.
Soon after, Modi visited the multimedia Martyrologist exposition on children at the National Museum of History in Kyiv.
Zelenskyy warmly hugged and shook hands with Modi at the exposition.
The prime minister was deeply touched by the poignant exposition set up in memory of children who have lost their lives in the conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Modi expressed his sorrow at the tragic loss of young lives and as a mark of respect placed a toy in their memory, it said.
The prime minister’s visit to Kyiv is expected to last for around seven hours.
