Years into the brutal Russia-Ukraine war, mutual bombardments persist while diplomacy stalls. Zelenskyy slams Russia’s strike-first approach, especially against energy assets.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk from New Delhi conveyed Ukraine’s unshakeable determination. ‘The war has thrust Ukraine into severe difficulties,’ he noted. ‘This very struggle proves no force can wipe out our identity. We won’t surrender—we’ll press on until victory, revealing our profound bravery and the readiness of our citizens to lay down their lives for the homeland.’
The diplomat appreciated the World Book Fair’s format: ‘It’s wonderful that it promotes Indian culture alongside your army’s heroism in Operation Sindoor. Ukraine mirrors this with our frontline defenders.’
Regarding peace mediation, he stressed India’s value: ‘India, with its legacy of fostering global harmony, is essential to us now.’ Polishchuk also valued US ties: ‘Talks with America matter greatly; as our major backer and friend, they’ve supported our defense from the 2022 invasion’s first moments.’
Zelenskyy’s countrywide message exposed energy vulnerabilities: ‘Russia hammers our power infrastructure. 58,000 workers labor 24/7 on grids, plants, and heat networks, bolstered by Ukrzaliznytsia resources. Kyiv gets 50 nationwide crews amid its crises.’
Aid reaches heatless homes promptly, though northern Kyiv, Boryspil, and war zones like Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia face relentless attacks complicating repairs. Stabilization advances in Poltava and Odesa signal grit.
Polishchuk’s words echo a nation’s defiance: Ukraine’s identity endures, victory imminent.