Ukraine expects India to participate actively in post-war construction

It is also expecting more humanitarian aid, medicines, some technical and financial assistance

Ukraine has approached India to become one of the guarantees of post-war security of the country together with some other countries, diplomatic sources told  The Hindu as Friday marks 100 days of the war in Ukraine. “We are also expecting that India will participate actively in post-war construction. We are also expecting more humanitarian aid, medicines, some technical and financial assistance,” a diplomatic source said. 

Till date, the total assistance from India both from government and private companies is approximately 230 tonnes. In addition, big volume was given by pharmaceutical companies which are headquartered in India but with offices in Ukraine and eastern Europe, the source said adding, “This is separate and worth about $7-8 mn.” 

On the economic impact of the war on Ukraine, diplomatic sources said that in 2022, the GDP may drop by 30-50% and inflation can reach 20%. Monthly deficit caused by the war is nearly $5 bn, the source said and the war has damaged or destroyed up to 30% of Ukraine’s infrastructure at a cost of $100 bn.

Ukraine has been demanding heavy and long range weapon systems from NATO, including Multi-Rocket Launch Systems (MRLS), tanks, armoured vehicles and fighter aircraft in addition to continued logistical support. Recently, the U.S. has said it will be supplying MRLS to Ukraine.

“The situation in Donbas remains the most problematic with entire towns destroyed. Ukraine’s coast of the Black Sea and the Sea of the Azov remains blocked,” Ukrainian sources said. Russia continues launching missiles, 2,275 as of May 23, and air strikes, nearly 3,000 as of May 25, on civilian and military infrastructure throughout Ukraine, one source said.

“Russia’s current objectives are to occupy the entire territory of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, secure the land corridor to Crimea and complete the occupation of southern Ukraine,” the source stated.

Millions of Ukrainian citizens were forced to flee from the war, the source said adding, eight million became internally displaced people and 6.8 million left abroad.