New Delhi: Dr Igor Polikha, Ambassador of Ukraine to India, on Monday claimed even as the Ukrainian delegation went to Belarus to hold the first round of peace talks with Russia "continuous shelling, bombing" continued in Kyiv and nearby areas.
"Today, our delegation went to hold the first round of peace talks. Continuous shelling, bombing took place even during the peace talk," Dr Igor Polikha told media persons.
Ukrainian Ambassador once again reiterated Kyiv's stance that international pressure should be created in order for Russian forces to back down.
"We are requesting all our foreign partners to exert pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the war," he said.
He said that according to official information of Ukraine’s Ministry, 16 children were killed.
Polikha added that the air space of Europe was closed for the Russian airplanes on Sunday.
“The Russian economy is crippling every day. Russia is having absolutely unprecedented casualties. Approximately 5,300 Russian soldiers have lost their lives,” Polikha further said.
Polikha further said that the number of Ukrainian refugees has exceeded four lakhs. “If the war is not stopped, the number can reach up to 7 million. There are very long queues on the border. Lakhs of Ukrainians are standing in queues, trying to cross the border,” he said.
Polikha also said that he has the same information which the Indian officials have, and that Ukraine’s priority is to stop the war and exert pressure on Russia. “India's priority is to evacuate students, our priority is to stop the war and exert pressure on Russia. I am in regular contact with Indian officials, both countries want peace,” the Ukrainian ambassador said.