KYIV: Oleksandr Bevz, advisor to the head of the office of Ukraine ’s President Zelenskyy , revealed that Indian combatants fighting on behalf of Russia were released following a direct intervention by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi . Speaking to TOI on September 26 regarding foreign combatants , Oleksandr noted, “When Narendra Modi was in Kyiv and in Moscow, I know he asked personally Putin to release all the combatants from India, and only after a direct request from Narendra Modi, Putin issued a decree to dismiss from the Russian army all Indian citizens.”
Ukraine’s foreign combatants: Legal support
Oleksandr emphasized Ukraine’s legislative changes to allow the involvement of foreign fighters in their defense efforts. “We changed our legislation to make it possible, to make it legal because there are limitations on foreign combatants in different countries,” he said. He expressed gratitude to the countries supporting Ukraine, stating, “We are absolutely grateful for this support from all countries that want to support Ukraine.”
In contrast, he highlighted the differences between Ukraine’s and Russia’s approaches, saying, “We do not do what Russia does… Russia recruits people also from Latin America to fight in the war, and the way they do it brings families into situations where they do not know where their soldiers are, and they cannot get the bodies back if they die.”
India’s role in the peace process
Regarding India’s potential in the peace process, Oleksandr expressed optimism, stating, “It’s very realistic that India may play a major role in peacemaking. India is a democracy and the biggest player in the region.” He acknowledged India’s economic ties with Russia, including the purchase of oil and gas, but added, “We still believe that there is much more in common in understanding of this war with India than with some other countries.” He also highlighted India’s influence on Moscow, remarking, “There is a hope that India will play an important role in peace. And after Modi’s visit to Moscow and Kyiv, I think there is a follow-up.”
Challenges to peace initiatives
Oleksandr pointed out the challenges faced in reaching a peace agreement, particularly regarding the positions of different countries. “When we are speaking about peace and how to end this war, there is a very different approach to how it can be done,” he said. He expressed concerns about initiatives from countries like China, Brazil, and South Africa, saying, “The problem is that 20% of Ukraine’s territory is now occupied.”
Defensive measures and risks
Discussing Ukraine’s defense strategy, Oleksandr emphasized the importance of strengthening air defense capabilities. “Ukraine was promised six or seven new Patriot systems at the NATO summit in Washington this July, but unfortunately, not all of them are on Ukrainian territory right now,” he noted. He also mentioned the request for NATO allies to protect Ukraine’s western regions, saying, “That would give us a chance to protect cities in the west, but it requires consensus within NATO.” Oleksandr also raised concerns about potential Russian strikes on Ukraine’s nuclear energy infrastructure. “Russia is preparing major strikes at Ukraine’s nuclear energy system,” he warned. He explained the severity of such strikes, stating, “The danger of these strikes is tremendous, because one of the biggest nuclear catastrophes happened here in Ukraine.”
Kursk not a failure
He said Ukraine succeeded a lot taking more than 1 ,000 and some hundreds of square kilometers in Kursk region. “Of course, they took a lot of resources. And that was one of the goal, to replace them to Kursk region, also taking that resources, that troops from other territories of Ukraine this time.
So somehow, it was the solution and help for our soldiers in a different part of the front line. And they tried to make their contra offensive” he said.
Ukraine’s foreign combatants: Legal support
Oleksandr emphasized Ukraine’s legislative changes to allow the involvement of foreign fighters in their defense efforts. “We changed our legislation to make it possible, to make it legal because there are limitations on foreign combatants in different countries,” he said. He expressed gratitude to the countries supporting Ukraine, stating, “We are absolutely grateful for this support from all countries that want to support Ukraine.”
In contrast, he highlighted the differences between Ukraine’s and Russia’s approaches, saying, “We do not do what Russia does… Russia recruits people also from Latin America to fight in the war, and the way they do it brings families into situations where they do not know where their soldiers are, and they cannot get the bodies back if they die.”
India’s role in the peace process
Regarding India’s potential in the peace process, Oleksandr expressed optimism, stating, “It’s very realistic that India may play a major role in peacemaking. India is a democracy and the biggest player in the region.” He acknowledged India’s economic ties with Russia, including the purchase of oil and gas, but added, “We still believe that there is much more in common in understanding of this war with India than with some other countries.” He also highlighted India’s influence on Moscow, remarking, “There is a hope that India will play an important role in peace. And after Modi’s visit to Moscow and Kyiv, I think there is a follow-up.”
Challenges to peace initiatives
Oleksandr pointed out the challenges faced in reaching a peace agreement, particularly regarding the positions of different countries. “When we are speaking about peace and how to end this war, there is a very different approach to how it can be done,” he said. He expressed concerns about initiatives from countries like China, Brazil, and South Africa, saying, “The problem is that 20% of Ukraine’s territory is now occupied.”
Discussing Ukraine’s defense strategy, Oleksandr emphasized the importance of strengthening air defense capabilities. “Ukraine was promised six or seven new Patriot systems at the NATO summit in Washington this July, but unfortunately, not all of them are on Ukrainian territory right now,” he noted. He also mentioned the request for NATO allies to protect Ukraine’s western regions, saying, “That would give us a chance to protect cities in the west, but it requires consensus within NATO.” Oleksandr also raised concerns about potential Russian strikes on Ukraine’s nuclear energy infrastructure. “Russia is preparing major strikes at Ukraine’s nuclear energy system,” he warned. He explained the severity of such strikes, stating, “The danger of these strikes is tremendous, because one of the biggest nuclear catastrophes happened here in Ukraine.”
Kursk not a failure
He said Ukraine succeeded a lot taking more than 1 ,000 and some hundreds of square kilometers in Kursk region. “Of course, they took a lot of resources. And that was one of the goal, to replace them to Kursk region, also taking that resources, that troops from other territories of Ukraine this time.
So somehow, it was the solution and help for our soldiers in a different part of the front line. And they tried to make their contra offensive” he said.
