​PM Modi's solemn visit to Ukraine's memorial for children killed in war​

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to children lost in the Russia-Ukraine conflict during his visit to Kyiv. Welcomed by president Zelenskyy, Modi placed a small toy at the Martyrologist Exposition and offered a silent prayer. This simple gesture symbolised shared grief and a call for peace.(Image source: PTI)

In May 2024, UNICEF reported that nearly 2,000 children had been killed since the start of the Ukraine-Russia war. Modi’s visit to the Exposition follows his July statement to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing that the deaths of innocent children are "heart-wrenching and very painful." (Image source: ANI)

After shaking hands, Modi hugged Zelenskyy warmly. As they walked to the multimedia Exposition, Modi placed a supportive hand on Zelenskyy’s shoulder, showing solidarity with the leader of the war-torn nation. (Image source: Agencies)

With folded hands, Prime Minister Modi offered a silent prayer before placing a small doll at the memorial, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy placed a teddy bear. "President @ZelenskyyUa and I paid homage at the Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their children, and I pray they find the strength to endure their grief," Modi shared on X after the visit. (Image source: ANI)

Zelenskyy shared a video on his Telegram channel showing Modi hugging him. The Ministry of External Affairs later stated, "The Prime Minister was deeply moved by the poignant exposition honouring children lost in the conflict. He expressed sorrow for the tragic loss of young lives and, as a mark of respect, placed a toy in their memory." (Image source: ANI)

After viewing multimedia presentations detailing the loss of many children during the conflict, Modi and Zelenskyy stood silently before a memorial wall filled with toys placed in memory of the young lives lost. (Image source: PTI)

Prime Minister Modi met with President Putin in July, shortly after Russia’s missile attack on Kyiv’s Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital. In their discussion, Modi conveyed a heartfelt message: lasting peace cannot be achieved through ongoing violence, and genuine efforts for resolution must come from a place of peace rather than conflict. (Image source: ANI)