Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a 32-hour ceasefire on the occasion of Orthodox Easter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed this peace initiative.

Following the Iran-America ceasefire, another piece of good news has emerged globally with the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. However, this measure is not permanent but is implemented for a limited duration. According to a statement from the Kremlin, the decision has been made to halt all military activities from 4 PM on April 11 until the end of April 12, resulting in a total ceasefire of approximately 32 hours.

Russia has expressed hope that Ukraine will also adhere to this initiative and cooperate in maintaining peace. Orthodox Easter is an important festival for the Christian community, celebrated according to the Julian calendar in Russia and Ukraine, and this year it falls on April 12. The ceasefire has been announced with this religious occasion in mind, allowing people some relief during the festival.

On the other hand, President Zelensky has responded to this announcement, stating that Ukraine has previously proposed a ceasefire during Easter and is ready to take similar steps now. He emphasized that ordinary people should have a safe and peaceful Easter, and this ceasefire could be an opportunity in that direction. He also indicated that Russia has the chance to refrain from resuming attacks after Easter.

Putin's move comes at a time when Zelensky recently proposed halting attacks on energy infrastructure, with reports indicating that the United States has played a mediating role in the negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. This war has now entered its fifth year, affecting both countries and global stability.

The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing since 2022, resulting in significant loss of life and property. While this temporary ceasefire may be a small step, it is seen as a positive signal towards peace.

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Palm Beach, December 29. US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Ukraine and Russia are closer than ever to reaching a peace agreement. The President made these remarks while hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his resort in Florida, although he acknowledged that the negotiations remain complex. He admitted that the possibility of the talks failing cannot be ruled out, which could result in the war continuing for years.

These statements were made following discussions between the two leaders. As per agency report, Trump mentioned that prior to this meeting, he had a very good telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin that lasted for two and a half hours. The US President expressed his belief that Putin still desires peace, even though Russia launched fresh attacks on Ukraine while Zelenskyy was departing for the United States to participate in the talks.

During a press conference, Trump and Zelenskyy noted that several complicated issues remain unresolved, including the question of what will happen to Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russia and how to ensure security assurances for Ukraine to prevent future aggression. Following their discussion, the two leaders spoke via telephone with several European leaders, including the President of the European Commission as well as the leaders of Finland, France, Germany, Britain, and Poland.

Zelenskyy stated that Trump has agreed to host another meeting of European leaders in January, which will likely take place at the White House, although Trump suggested the meeting could be held in Washington or elsewhere. Expressing gratitude for Trump's efforts, Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine is ready for peace. Trump indicated that he plans to speak with Putin again following his meeting with Zelenskyy.

Earlier on Sunday, Putin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov stated that the initiative for the phone conversation between Trump and Putin came from the United States and described the interaction as friendly, constructive, and business-like. According to Ushakov, Trump and Putin agreed to speak again shortly after the meeting with the Ukrainian President. Trump reiterated that Russia and Ukraine are gradually moving closer to an agreement, describing the matter as a very complex issue but expressing confidence that a solution will be found.

Kyiv, August 26 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending greetings on Ukraine’s Independence Day. He also underlined Kyiv’s confidence in India’s role in efforts to end the ongoing conflict with Russia.

In a social media post, Zelensky acknowledged India’s commitment to “peace and dialogue” and said that New Delhi’s contribution could play a vital role in achieving a dignified and lasting resolution to the war. He noted that each diplomatic step taken to strengthen dialogue not only improves security in Europe but also has wider implications for the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

As per agency report, Prime Minister Modi on August 16 had wished the people of Ukraine a future filled with peace and progress, while also thanking Zelensky for his Independence Day greetings to India a day earlier. Zelensky, in his message on August 15, had expressed hope that India would contribute to ongoing international efforts aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The exchange of messages underscores the growing importance of India’s diplomatic positioning as a nation balancing relations with both Russia and the West, while continuing to advocate for peace and stability in global conflicts.

Moscow, July 21 – In a significant development aimed at halting the war that has gripped Eastern Europe for over three years, Russia has announced its readiness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine. On Sunday, July 20, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin is willing to enter negotiations to reach a peaceful resolution with Ukraine. However, he emphasized that Russia remains firmly committed to achieving its core objectives in the conflict.

Peskov stated that President Putin has repeatedly expressed his desire for an early and peaceful settlement with Ukraine. He acknowledged that while a peaceful resolution is desirable, the process is complex and requires substantial effort. He added that the goals of the Russian Federation are clearly defined and non-negotiable, making their achievement the country’s top priority.

As per agency report, the Kremlin spokesperson also commented on U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance regarding the ongoing conflict. Peskov remarked that the global community has grown accustomed to Trump’s occasionally harsh and provocative statements. Nevertheless, he noted that Trump has made it clear he is fully committed to facilitating a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

This announcement from Russia comes at a critical juncture, just weeks after peace talks stalled in early June. Reports indicate that a new round of negotiations has been proposed for next week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office confirmed through Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov that preliminary arrangements are being made for the next phase of discussions with the Russian side, and Ukraine is eager to accelerate the process.

The diplomatic efforts follow heightened tensions earlier this month. On July 14, U.S. President Trump initiated the dispatch of additional weapons to Ukraine and issued a stern warning to Moscow. He declared that if Russia does not agree to a peace deal with Ukraine within the next 50 days, the United States would impose sanctions on countries continuing to purchase Russian exports.

As both sides prepare for another round of dialogue, the international community watches closely, hoping that sustained diplomatic engagement may finally bring an end to one of the most prolonged conflicts in recent history.

New York: The diplomatic rift between the United States and Europe over Ukraine widened on Friday after a heated exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. While European leaders swiftly expressed their support for Zelensky, the White House reaffirmed its stance alongside Trump.

The unexpected verbal confrontation unfolded in the presence of US Vice President JD Vance, after which Zelensky left the White House. The incident underscored the growing divide between the US and its European allies on the Ukraine crisis.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended Zelensky’s resilience, stating on social media, “Your dignity reflects the courage of the Ukrainian people. Stay strong, brave, and fearless, dear Volodymyr Zelensky. We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace.”

French President Emmanuel Macron reinforced Europe’s commitment to Ukraine, writing, “There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a victim: Ukraine. Helping Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia was the right decision three years ago – and it remains the right decision today.” He added that this commitment extended beyond Europe, including the US, Canada, Japan, and other nations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of Trump, called for an urgent summit between the US and European nations to restore diplomatic dialogue. “An immediate summit between America, European countries, and allies is essential to openly discuss how we tackle today’s major challenges, beginning with Ukraine, which we have collectively defended in recent years,” she stated.

Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, expressed solidarity with Ukraine, saying, “Dear Volodymyr Zelensky, we stand with Ukraine in good times and in difficult times. We must never be confused about who is the aggressor and who is the victim in this war.”

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas also reiterated support, saying, “We stand with Zelensky and Ukraine in their fight for freedom—always, because it is the right thing to do, even when it is not easy.” Similar messages of solidarity came from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Dutch Prime Minister Kasper Veldkamp.

Meanwhile, the White House issued a statement backing Trump, asserting, “President Trump and Vice President Vance’s ‘America First Strength’ is gaining support. They have made it clear that the US will not be taken advantage of. The administration and lawmakers across the nation share this sentiment.”

The statement included remarks from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Rubio praised Trump, saying, “Thank you, Mr. President, for standing up for America. No leader has ever had the courage to do this before. We appreciate your commitment to putting America first.” Noem added, “I am incredibly proud of our Commander-in-Chief. Thank you, President Trump and Vice President Vance, for defending America. We will not tolerate disrespect toward our nation.”

However, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi criticized Trump and Vance for their treatment of Zelensky, calling their behavior “disrespectful.” He stated, “The American people stand with the people of Ukraine, even if Trump aligns himself with Vladimir Putin and Russia.”

The escalating discord between the US and its European allies over Ukraine’s support signals potential geopolitical shifts, as Washington's stance appears to diverge sharply from that of its traditional partners.

New Delhi, August 21 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a significant diplomatic journey to Poland and Ukraine, marking a pivotal moment in India's foreign relations. Before his departure, PM Modi highlighted his agenda, which includes discussions on peaceful resolutions to conflicts, particularly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The visit to Poland coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, underscoring the long-standing relationship that India shares with Poland, a key economic partner in Central Europe. "Our mutual commitment to democracy and pluralism strengthens our bonds," PM Modi stated, expressing eagerness to meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to further enhance the partnership. Modi also plans to engage with the vibrant Indian community in Poland.

Following his stay in Poland, PM Modi will travel to Ukraine at the invitation of President Zelenskyy, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. This visit is particularly significant as it represents India's proactive approach to engaging with regions experiencing conflict. "I look forward to advancing our discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring peaceful solutions to the conflict in Ukraine," Modi remarked.

This diplomatic endeavor not only aims to deepen the ties with these nations but also reflects India's broader strategic interests in playing a constructive role in global peace and stability.

Moscow,15 June (H.S): The Ukrainian Air Force has reported that Russia launched several attacks on Ukraine using various missiles, including the modern Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. These missiles are known for their high speed and explosive power, making them difficult to intercept with current defence systems. Multiple explosions were heard in the western Ukrainian region of Khmelnytskyi, near a key Ukrainian airbase that is expected to host Western F-16 fighter jets.

There were also reports of explosions near the capital, Kiev, attributed to air defence operations. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that at least two Kinzhal missiles were used in the attack. Meanwhile, Ukraine carried out a major attack using more than 80 drones on Russian border regions, with 70 being intercepted over the Rostov region alone.

The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that other regions, including Crimea which was annexed by Russia in 2014, were also affected. There were reports of power outages and minor damage to an oil depot, but no deaths or injuries have been reported so far. These recent developments highlight the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia invading Ukraine in February 2022 and waging a large-scale war against its neighboring country.

Chandigarh (India), September 16: Amidst the chaos and strife that have gripped Ukraine in recent years, the unwavering spirit of humanity shines bright through the actions of the Sikh community. A recent post on LinkedIn by journalist Ravinder Singh Robin has brought attention to the humanitarian efforts of the Sikh community in Ukraine. In his post, Robin recounts how he was approached by a Ukrainian journalist at the G20 Summit who expressed his gratitude for the ‘immense humanitarian help’ provided by the Sikh community during the war.

The Sikh community, renowned worldwide for its ethos of compassion and selflessness, has been a beacon of hope for many Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict. Amidst the turmoil, members of the Sikh community have dedicated themselves to providing essential assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care to those grappling with the dire consequences of war.

 A UN-affiliated nonprofit organization, United Sikhs, has taken center stage in these humanitarian efforts. This international nonprofit, with its strong affiliations to the United Nations, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Ukrainian people. Along the Polish-Ukrainian border, they have established relief camps, tirelessly dispatching teams to distribute emergency aid to those in need. In addition to these efforts, United Sikhs has set up bomb shelters within the warzone and provided crucial tactical medicine training to civilians, equipping them with life-saving skills in the face of danger.

Responding to the gratitude expressed by the Ukrainian journalist at the G20 Summit, United Sikhs expressed that such stories of appreciation “demonstrate the community’s commitment to selfless service.” The organization remains dedicated to its ongoing relief efforts in Ukraine and extends heartfelt appreciation for the support received from the global community.

Balwant Singh, the director of United Sikhs, eloquently elucidated the organization’s overarching mission, stating that their primary goal is to “provide immediate relief to those in need and to help them rebuild their lives.” He underscored the organization’s enduring commitment to standing up for humanity and extending a helping hand to those who are suffering. Singh further emphasized the organization’s extensive history of providing humanitarian aid to individuals in need, expressing profound pride in the organization’s ability to support the people of Ukraine during this challenging period.

The recognition of the Sikh community’s remarkable humanitarian endeavors in Ukraine is a testament to the dedication and compassion exhibited by organizations like United Sikhs. These organizations have not only delivered tangible aid but also demonstrated the essence of Sikh values to the world, inspiring countless others to emulate their selfless actions.

As the global community continues to grapple with challenges and crises, the Sikh community’s contributions in Ukraine serve as a poignant reminder of the power of collective compassion and the enduring capacity of humanity to rise above adversity. In times of darkness, the Sikh community’s light of hope continues to shine, illuminating the path toward a more compassionate and united world.

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United Nations, July 19 (IANS) India has expressed concern over the “recent developments” in Ukraine in broad terms without mentioning any country while introducing an element of indirect criticism of Russia for ending a UN-sponsored arrangement to allow shipments of foodgrains and agriculture-related products through the Black Sea.

Speaking at a regularly scheduled meeting of the General Assembly on Ukraine on Tuesday, India’s Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj said: “We are concerned about recent developments in the region which have not helped in securing the larger cause of peace and stability. Reports of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are deeply worrying."

In the last two days, Russia launched a drone and missile attack on the Ukrainian port of Odesa, while a bridge connecting the Russian mainland to the occupied territory of Crimea was partially destroyed.

Amid these developments, Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative to allow shipments of foodgrains and agriculture-related products through the Black Sea.

Referring to this development, Kamboj said: ”India has supported the efforts of the UN Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) in continuing the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and hopes for an early resolution to the present impasse.”

Maintaining New Delhi’s delicate balancing act on the Ukraine issue over which it faces tremendous pressure from the West, while being dependent on Russia for crucial defence and energy needs, she did not name either country.

But she repeated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s oft-quoted statement, “this is not an era of war", which has been interpreted as a criticism of Russia.

“In light of my Prime Minister’s repeated engagements with both sides, it is essential to emphasise that we firmly believe that this is not an era of war."

Modi has been in touch with both presidents, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.

In another implied criticism of Moscow over its ongoing invasion, Kamboj said: “The global order that we all subscribe to is based on international law, the UN Charter and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states. These principles must be upheld without exception.”

She added an indirect criticism of Moscow for scuttling the Black Sea Grain Initiative that provided a lifeline of foodgrains to many developing countries and moderated food prices.

“It is also unfortunate that as the trajectory of the Ukranian conflict unfolds, the entire Global South has suffered a substantial collateral damage.

"It is thus critical that the voice of the global south be heard, and their legitimate concerns be duly addressed," she added.

Putin recently raised the spectre of the nuclearisation of the battlefield by declaring last month that Russia has placed tactical nuclear weapons in its ally Belarus, which borders Ukraine.

Reacting to this development, General Assembly President Csaba Korosi warned: “We cannot play with a nuclear Armageddon. Nuclear rhetoric must be stopped.

“I must repeat what I have said before: Nuclear arms will not solve a conflict."

He also referred to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in areas occupied by Russia over which there are fears of sabotage and accident.

“The risk of a cataclysmic disaster or accident rises every day this war goes on. Amidst this turmoil, the threat of a nuclear catastrophe looms ominously over our heads -- with Europe's largest nuclear power plant located in an active conflict zone, posing grave, imminent danger far beyond the region," Korosi added.

New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Jakarta, during which they discussed bilateral economic issues and also matters related to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

"Met with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia in Jakarta today. Discussed bilateral economic issues, as also matters pertaining to the Ukraine conflict," Jaishankar tweeted after the meeting.

Jaishankar met Lavrov on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting, which is taking place in the Indonesian capital.

India has been a major importer of discounted crude oil from Russia, despite sanctions on that country by the West due to its war with Ukraine.

India has been pushing for resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war through dialogue, even as it has not condemned Moscow for its full scale invasion of Kiev at several international fora.

Washington, June 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to allay concerns in the US Congress about India's position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine by reiterating his public and direct message to Russian President Vladimir Putin: that "this is not an era of war" but of dialogue and diplomacy.

The standing ovation that followed showed members of the Congress had wanted to hear that assurance from the Prime Minister as many among them, including stanch and steady friends of the bilateral relationship had expressed concern with India's refusal to condemn Russia and said the time had come for India to choose which side it wanted to be on.

Modi also spoke at length about India's commitment to democracy, which was another issue of concern for the lawmaker, more than 70 of whom wrote a joint letter to US President Joe Biden this week urging him to raise issues of democracy, religious and press freedom in India.

The Prime Minister also, however, proceeded to bunch the rule of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals with that of the British empire, calling them together as "thousand years of foreign rule", in the context of the 75th anniversary of Indian independence in 2022.

Modi became today the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of the US Congress twice, calling it an "exceptional privilege".

He spoke in English, reading from a teleprompter, to repeated applause from the floor and the packed visitors gallery, which frequently cheered him by chanting "Modi, Modi" and, finally, "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".

Modi described the Russian invasion of Ukraine one of "deeply disruptive developments" in recent years when "war returned to Europe". He said the Global South was deeply affected.

"The global order is based on the respect for the principles of the UN Charter, peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Prime Minister said to loud applause from the lawmakers.

"As I have said directly, and publicly. This is not an era of war," Modi went on to say, to even louder and longer applause, with whoops, adding, "But it is one of dialogue and diplomacy. And we all must do what we can to stop the bloodshed and human suffering."

Modi was referring to his remarks in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, at a joint media availability with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

With a bank of TV cameras trained on the two leaders, Modi had told Putin that "this was not an era of war". The comment reverberated around world capitals and probably the loudest in here in Washington D.C.

This US Congress has approved billions of dollars of defence supplies requisitioned by the Biden administration for Ukraine and though some lawmakers have begun to question these expenses, the body as a whole remains deeply committed to helping Ukraine for, as Biden has said, "as long as it takes".

The Prime Minister also sought to address another concern many lawmakers have had, publicly and privately, about, what they see as a backslide of democracy in India, with targeting of religious minorities, crackdown on dissent and press freedom.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Senator Chris Van Hollen led a joint letter signed by more than 70 members of Congress urging Biden to raise these issues in his conversations with Modi.

Democratic Senator Mark Warner, who is a co-chair of the India Caucus, had also said he would like to see the Prime Minister to express "commitment, recommitment" to democracy.

"Democracy is one of sacred and shared values," Modi said and went on to add, "Democracy is the spirit that supports equality and dignity; democracy is the idea that welcomes debate and discourse; democracy is a culture that gives wings to thoughts and expression."

India is blessed to have such values from times immemorial. "In evolution of the democratic spirit," he said, "India is the mother of democracy."

The Prime Minister read a Sanskrit phrase in support of his contention, which, he said, meant "truth is one but the wise express it in a different ways".

Kyiv, June 6 (IANS) Ukraine has accused Russian forces of blowing up a dam in the Kherson region though Moscow denies this, the media reported.

A dam at a hydro-electric plant in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Nova Kakhovka was breached overnight and water has been pouring through it ever since, the BBC reported.

The damage is thought to be severe, with Russian state media reporting the town is submerged under water, the report said.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian troops of blowing up the plant "from inside" while Moscow claims it was a "deliberate act of sabotage" by Kyiv.

Evacuation efforts are under way as Zelensky says some 80 towns and villages could be affected by the flooding. The dam is a significant resource, supplying water to a host of communities upstream and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, the BBC reported.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, has said a lack of cooling water at Zaporizhzhia could disrupt its emergency diesel generators - though the situation at the plant is said to be under control.

The Kremlin has blamed the attack on the dam in Nova Kakhovka on Ukraine, saying it was a "deliberate act of sabotage" by Kyiv.

Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up the dam, in the Moscow-controlled region of Kherson, and the EU Council President Charles Michel has also pointed the finger at Moscow, saying the attack amounts to a "war crime", the BBC reported.

But in his daily telephone conference call with journalists, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Moscow was responsible and blamed Kyiv.

"It is also linked to the fact that, having begun large-scale offensive operations two days ago, the Ukrainian armed forces are not achieving their aims. Their offensive operations are stalling," the BBC reported.