Ukraine Seeks Modi's Help Amid War With Russia, Cites 'Mahabharata'

Amid the crisis between the two countries, the Ukrainian Ambassador to India Igor Polikha on Thursday urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "immediately contact" Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

Polikha cited the war in Mahabharata and added that India has a special relationship with Russia and New Delhi can play a crucial role in controlling the conflict. 

India was firming up contingency plans including initiating alternate air routes to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held a series of high-level meetings to put into operation certain contingency plans in view of the rapidly changing situation in Ukraine.

The Indian Embassy in Kyiv has released an advisory addressed to all Indian nationals in Ukraine, acknowledging that the situation in the country is uncertain. It has called for maintaining calm and keeping safe wherever they are.

It also urged citizens travelling to Kyiv to return to their respective cities temporarily, especially towards safer places along with the western bordering countries.

Meanwhile, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to Twitter and wrote, "We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities."

According to the media reports, adviser to Ukraine President's Office said that more than 40 Ukrainian soldiers are dead and several dozen wounded.