Russia is planning to open up “humanitarian corridors'' along its border with Ukraine to facilitate evacuation of people who have been stuck in the conflict. Russia's new ambassador-designate to India, Denis Alipov, said this at his first interaction with the media on Wednesday.
“Russia will do everything it possibly can to ensure safety of Indians,'' he said, while condoling the death of an Indian student. “Russia does not fight Ukranian people, it does not attack civilian establishments,'' he maintained, adding that the only exception was the downing of a communication tower in Kiev.
Alipov praised India for its “balanced and unbiased position'' over the ongoing conflict. He said this was because India understood the depth of the conflict and the reasons for the current crisis. He said India sees the whole situation in all its complexities, and doesn't take it at face value. “That is why your stand is so balanced and unbiased.” When asked what are Russia's expectations from India, he said, “We hope that India will continue to display this position.''
As strategic partners, Alipov said, “We coordinate our position at the United Nations. We tell India about our approach and do the utmost possible to keep India up to date with what is happening.''
He pointed out that the war in Ukraine was not an overnight one, it had started eight years ago, when Ukraine began shelling homes in Donetsk. He said that world got only a one-sided picture because the western media chose to report it that way. CNN finds its unnecessary to tell you about the mass graves in Donetsk. It does not tell you that Ukraine has opened up its prisoners and released murderers and armed them. “Had there been mass volunteers this would not have been necessary,'' he said.
He said that Russia wanted peace, it did not want to prolong the war. But it was “easy to frame Russia, as evidently, we have the upper ground,'' he said. Hitting out at American duplicity, Alipov said that the so called "rules-based international order'' that the US advocates is an eyewash, since those who fall our of the US lines are punished. He called this attitude a “dictatorship in velvet gloves.” “India sees this [attitude]clearly, that it why its position is so obvious. It [India's international position] is not only because it is dependent on Russia for arms.''
The anti-missile S-400 deal between Russia and India is sanctions-proof, the diplomat said. He said the deal was made in such a way that it remains immune to any sanctions, whether the past ones, or new ones that may be invoked. “Rest assured, there is 100 per cent surety,'' he said. “We will have to see what the overall impact on trade relations and economic co operation will be. We have bilateral means for doing business in our national currencies. Much will depend on the readiness of Indian partners to continue business. Some are overcautious because of their exposure to the US and European markets.''
Alipov said that for Russia, the western sanctions would not have much impact. “Our economy is stable it will withstand. We have taken steps to secure ourselves. Russia has always risen from the ashes. It will rise again. Don't have any about about that.''