Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, describing it as a setback for peace efforts. Zelensky's comments coincided with a tragic Russian missile strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv, which resulted in 29 fatalities.

PM Modi's informal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin took place at Novo-Ogaryovo, Putin's official residence near Moscow. This visit marked Modi's first trip to Russia since the country launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In a post on social media platform X, Zelenskyy stated, "It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day." This comment followed images of PM Modi warmly embracing Putin during their meeting. The two leaders were seen sharing tea, exchanging compliments, and touring the estate grounds with Putin personally driving Modi in a golf cart.

The missile attack in Kyiv, which killed at least 24 people, including two hospital staff, and caused extensive damage, intensified Zelenskyy's criticism. He emphasized the importance of global awareness of Russia's actions, stating, "It is very important that the world should not be silent about it now and that everyone should see what Russia is and what it is doing."

Sources indicate that during the meeting, PM Modi advocated for resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, asserting that a battlefield solution is unfeasible.

Ahead of the bilateral talks, the United States urged India to insist that any resolution of the Ukraine conflict should uphold the United Nations charter and Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The missile strikes on Monday targeted five Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv experiencing its most severe bombardment in nearly four months. The attacks disrupted medical treatments and forced young cancer patients to continue their care outdoors. Ukraine's air force reported intercepting 30 out of over 40 missiles launched. Besides Kyiv, where seven were killed, the strikes also hit Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy's birthplace, killing 10 people.