New Delhi: Russia does not expect India to play a role in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said on Friday. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Alipov emphasized that Moscow values its historical ties with New Delhi but does not seek its involvement in the war.
“We do not expect anything from India in this regard,” Alipov stated. He added, “We are very optimistic about the future of our relationship, remarkable history behind us.”
Alipov also indicated that Russia is open to participating in trilateral talks to resolve the conflict. He suggested that Moscow was willing to negotiate but criticized the stance of European nations and Ukraine.
The Russian envoy remarked that the current U.S. administration, compared to its predecessors, was showing “the right signs” toward ending the conflict.
When asked about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that he could end the war, Alipov provided insight into Russia’s position.
“I will put it simply, came Trump, and says — ‘I want a peace deal’. US officials approached us and we had a very good meeting in Saudi Arabia, and we saw that Americans now are prepared to not only listen but also hear. And, we also see (Ukraine President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy and we also see Ukraine, and we also see the Europeans, who continue on that belligerent path. They are speaking about the need for Russia to withdraw, they are speaking about security guarantees, for which NATO membership would be the best option,” he said.
The war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022, and multiple diplomatic efforts have been undertaken to achieve lasting peace.
Alipov also spoke about Europe’s militarization efforts and their impact on negotiations.
“They are talking about remilitarisation of Europe and recently had a meeting. Why should we accept these conditions? Plainly speaking, we can go without any peaceful negotiations, we are winning this war, yet we are prepared for the peace deal. We are willing to go fast on this track but the stumbling block is Europe and Ukraine at the moment, it seems. Personally, I don’t think the process will go fast,” he argued.
On a potential second Trump administration, the Russian envoy reiterated his view on Washington’s evolving stance.
“Obviously, the approach of the current U.S. administration, in comparison to its predecessors, is showing the right signs to stop of the conflict in Europe,” he stated.
Asked whether Russia was open to a meeting between Trump and President Vladimir Putin, he affirmed, “We are ready for that.”
He also referenced a recent meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office.
“Zelenskyy was not prepared for a quick process when he went to Washington. Now, he says he is prepared for that,” he said.
Regarding a possible meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, Alipov said, “Of course, I believe so. The Americans regard him (Zelenskyy) as a legitimate president, I believe, we do not. Yet, we are prepared to sit in trilateral format. We are prepared for that.”
Addressing Russia’s position on India-China relations, Alipov expressed Moscow’s neutral stance.
“We are in favour of, you know… building confidence between India and China. We don’t want to take sides. We are willing to help, in any way, if required by both parties,” he said.
The ambassador reiterated Russia’s broader vision of cooperation rather than confrontation.
“We don’t think in confrontation terms, we are thinking in cooperation terms… We want Europe, Asia, the whole world to cooperate and live on fair terms, with goodwill,” he said. PTI
