Russia Welcomes India's Push for Peace in Ukraine, Kremlin Says

The Kremlin has thrown its support behind India's diplomatic push to help end the grinding war in Ukraine, signaling a rare moment of alignment between Moscow and a major global power. In a virtual press interaction from New Delhi, Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov struck a conciliatory tone, acknowledging shared desires for peace and welcoming India's willingness to play a role.

A Shared Desire for Peace

Peskov’s comments come just a week after Prime Minister Modi renewed his call for dialogue and de-escalation at the SCO summit in Bishkek. The conflict, now in its fifth year, has drawn global condemnation and severe sanctions against Russia—but India has walked a careful line, maintaining economic ties while advocating for peace.

“We know the position of India on the Ukrainian conflict, and to a great extent, it corresponds with our own position, because we do want the solution of the Ukrainian conflict by peaceful means, and Russia is open to this process,” Mr. Peskov said.

He added, warmly, “We welcome the willingness of the Indian side to contribute.” It’s a notable moment of diplomatic openness from a nation often isolated on the world stage.

Human Cost and Bilateral Issues

Peskov also addressed the sensitive issue of Indian nationals fighting alongside Russian forces—individuals India says were tricked into service. He confirmed Russia has requested a list of names and pledged, “They will be sent back.” About two dozen citizens remain involved, a painful reminder of the war’s far-reaching human toll.

Meanwhile, trade between the two nations continues to surge, particularly in energy, despite pressure from Western sanctions. Peskov called U.S. attempts to curb this trade “illegal, unfair, unacceptable,” while expressing confidence that cooperation would only grow. “Every month we have a new record,” he noted—though he declined to share exact figures.

BRICS: A Platform, Not a Bloc

Looking ahead to the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Peskov pushed back against the idea that the group is inherently “anti-Western.” Instead, he described it as a coalition of like-minded states—one where Russia is hoping to play a mediating role between members with strained relations, like Iran and the UAE.

With President Putin set to meet PM Modi just before the summit, there’s cautious optimism in the air. Not everything can be solved in a day, but for now, it seems both nations are speaking—and listening.