Modi speaks to Zelenskyy, asks for support from Ukraine in ongoing evacuation efforts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky today, requesting his "continued cooperation" in removing Indians from the war-torn country in the midst of Russia's invasion. According to official sources, the two presidents spoke for nearly 35 minutes regarding the developing situation in Ukraine.

According to sources, PM Modi thanked President Zelensky for his government's assistance in evacuating Indians from Ukraine and expressed appreciation for the "continued direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine."

"Prime Minister Modi requested sustained support from the Ukrainian government in the ongoing evacuation of Indian nationals from Sumy," the sources said.

Russia announced this morning that at 10 a.m. Moscow time, it will hold fire and establish "humanitarian corridors" in various Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv (12.30 PM IST).

The corridors, which will also be opened from Kharkiv, Mariupol, and Sumy, are being built at the specific request of French President Emmanuel Macron and in light of the present situation in those towns, according to the Interfax news agency.

PM Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko for the second time; the first time was on February 26, just days after Russia commenced its invasion of Ukraine.