With Western powers and the Ukrainian government voicing concern over the likelihood of a Russian invasion, which Moscow has repeatedly denied it is planning, much of the international media has kept its eye on the Ukraine border situation. The White House on Monday (local time) said that America is working closely with its allies, including India, on Russia’s ongoing threat to Ukraine. Asked about Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) unanimous decision on Russia, the White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the region and he discussed heightened tensions between Russia and Ukarine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday he was ready to continue working with the West on security issues to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine. “We are ready to work further together. We are ready to go down the negotiations track,” Putin told a press conference following talks in Moscow with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Putin said that “of course” Russia does not want war. But it “cannot turn a blind eye” to how Washington and NATO “freely interpret” the principle of the indivisibility of security—that no country should strengthen its security at the expense of others.
Moscow has amassed over 100,000 troops stationed around Ukraine with US officials warning that Russia was ready for a full-scale invasion of the country. The United States and other western countries have sent arms and troops to Europe to support Kyiv. Kremlin says allegations about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are nothing but a campaign to trigger tensions and escalate the situation. “Indeed, the whole world is in disarray because of this, and, indeed, this is nothing but an absolutely unprecedented information campaign to provoke and escalate tension in Europe,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine has asked its citizens, particularly students whose stay is not essential, to leave Kiev temporarily amid the ongoing tension between Russian and Ukraine. In an advisory issued on Tuesday, India also requested its nationals to keep the Embassy informed about the status of their presence to enable the Embassy to reach them where required. “In view of the uncertainties of the current situation in Ukraine, Indian nationals in Ukraine, particularly students whose stay is not essential, may consider leaving temporarily. Indian nationals are also advised to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine,” the Indian Embassy in Ukraine said in an advisory.
“Indian nationals are requested to keep the Embassy informed about the status of their presence in Ukraine to enable the Embassy to reach them where required. The Embassy continues to function normally to provide all services to Indian nationals in Ukraine,” it further stated.
On January 26, the Indian embassy in Kyiv had asked its citizens residing in Ukraine to register themselves in a bid to disseminate information in a swift manner. “With an intent to coordinate with Indian citizens effectively, and disseminate information in a swift manner, Embassy of India, Kyiv requests all Indian citizens, including students presently located in the territory of Ukraine, to fill up the below form. Those students presently pursuing online education from India are directed NOT to fill-up the form,” the Indian embassy said in a release.
Tensions over Ukraine have increased in recent months, with Russia and NATO accusing each other of amassing troops on the Russian-Ukrainian border. The United States and Ukraine accuse Russia of preparing to invade. Meanwhile, Moscow denies the claims and maintains that it has no intention of attacking any country.
White House spokesperson had earlier said that the US would welcome any country’s attempt to play a role in de-escalation of mounting tensions between Russia and Ukraine, including India.
“We certainly welcome any efforts to de-escalate and we are in touch with a range of allies and partners on this, but I don’t have any specific conversations to read out that relate to Indian officials,” White House spokesperson Jen Psaki a press briefing.
Meanwhile a report from Moscow quoted Russian Defence Ministry as saying on Tuesday that some of the troops gathered around Ukraine are being sent back to their bases; however, other drills including in Belarus and off Ukraine’s Black Sea coast were continuing. “Units of the southern and western military districts, having completed their tasks, have already begun loading onto rail and road transport and will begin moving to their military garrisons today,” Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in his statement, reported The New York Times. “A number of combat training events, including exercises, have been carried out according to plan,” Konashenkov said. “As the combat training events are completed, the troops, as always, will march in a combined way to their permanent deployment points,” he added.