Ukraine issue: EU wants India to leverage ties with Russia

New Delhi: The European Union on Wednesday pitched for India's engagement to resolve the Ukraine crisis, saying it can use its privileged relations with Russia to persuade the country to abide by international laws as well as the ceasefire agreement.

European Union Ambassador Joao Cravinho said India can play an important role in finding a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis on which Western countries have threatened Russia of more sanctions if it fails to de-escalate the tension.

"India's privileged relations with Russia and longstanding relationship with it should build the basis for promotion of a greater understanding (on the issue).

"We hope that India, in its interactions with Russia, should express concerns with regard to territorial integrity (of Ukraine), with regard to maintenance of ceasefire agreements that was agreed upon," Cravinho said.

He said the 27-member European Union will welcome any involvement and engagement of India in resolving the issue.

The US and Western powers have accused Russia of violating the ceasefire agreement on Ukraine and threatened of more sanctions. India has been adopting a cautious approach on the Ukraine issue and has not said anything against Russia.

Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments yesterday about the recent church attacks, the EU Ambassador welcomed them and said the remarks were in line with India's Constitution.

"We know that there are elements of discomfort resulting from radical statements by different individuals and groups. We believe that anywhere in the world, it is important for political leaders to be very aware of the explosive potential of religious divisiveness and Prime Minister Modi's comments yesterday were I think manifestations of that kind of concern," he said.