PM Modi and Zelensky Paid Tribute to the Children killed in the Russia-Ukraine War: PM Modi along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Martyrs Exhibition at the National History Museum of Ukraine in Kyiv on Friday.
The tour was aimed at honouring the memory of children who lost their lives during the ongoing war in the country.
PM Modi posted on his X handle, “President Zelensky and I paid homage at the Martyrs’ Exhibition in Kiev. The conflict is particularly devastating for young children. My condolences are with the families of the children who have lost their lives. I pray that they find strength to bear the loss.”
The two leaders placed toys at the multimedia martyrology ‘Children’ and observed a moment of silence in honour of the martyred young Ukrainians.
“The Prime Minister was deeply moved by this touching exhibition organised in memory of the children who lost their lives in the conflict. He expressed grief on the loss of children and placed a toy in their memory as a mark of respect,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a post on Twitter.
Prosecutor General andrey kostin briefed the two leaders on the history of the exhibition and the 8 July rocket attack on Okhmatdyt, Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital.
Zelensky said, “Today in Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I honored the memory of children whose lives were taken by Russian aggression. Children in every country deserve to live in safety. We must make this possible.”
The Ukrainian president’s office reported that 570 Ukrainian children have lost their lives since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the figure is rising.
The ‘Children’ multimedia project was inaugurated in June 2022 to commemorate the ‘Day of Remembrance’ for the children killed during the conflict that began in February 2022.
It displays the names and photos of young Ukrainians killed during the conflict.
PM Modi warmly hugged and shook hands with President Zelensky upon arriving at the venue, placing his hand firmly on Zelensky’s shoulder, a gesture that emphasises India’s support amid the ongoing war.
Before meeting the Ukrainian President, Prime Minister Modi also paid floral tribute at the Gandhi statue in Kyiv.
Emphasising on the teachings of the Father of the Nation, PM Modi posted on Twitter, “Paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Kiev. Bapu’s ideals are universal and give hope to millions. May we all follow the path shown by him to humanity.”
Following this, the two leaders held face-to-face and delegation-level talks, which mainly focused on finding ways for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kyiv also coincides with the National Flag Day of Ukraine, which is celebrated on August 23.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived in Kyiv after a 10-hour train journey from Poland on Rail Force One. He was warmly welcomed at the station and later received a warm welcome by Indian expatriates at the Hyatt Hotel.
This historic visit is being seen as an important effort by India to facilitate dialogue and contribute to finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.
