The Indian representative at the United Nations Security Council TS Tirumurti said that New Delhi condemns the killings in Bucha and supports the call for an independent investigation. He spoke after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the 15-member body, urging it to act against Russia’s ‘war crimes’. 

Trimurti said that the reports of the mass killings were ‘deeply disturbing’. However, he did not mention Russia. 

“We unequivocally condemn these killings and support the call for an independent investigation,” the Indian representative said. 

Also read: Zelensky highlights Russia’s war crimes in Bucha, urges UNSC to act

Trimurti further added that there has been no ‘significant improvement’ in Ukraine since the security council last discussed the issue. 

“The security situation has only deteriorated, as well as its humanitarian consequences,” he said.

Images of mass graves and dead bodies have emerged in the last week. Ukraine authorities claimed that they have found 410 civilians in towns around Kyiv that were recaptured from Russian forces.

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This is the first time that India has condemned any action of Russian forces at a glbal platform. New Delhi has previously called for a path of diplomacy and dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. 

The representative further added that India is deeply concerned at the worsening situation in Ukraine and reiterates its call for immediate cessation of violence and end to hostilities. 

“We have emphasised right from the beginning of the conflict the need to pursue the path of diplomacy and dialogue. When innocent human lives are at stake, diplomacy must prevail as the only viable option,” TS Tirumurti said. 

Also read: China wants peace in Ukraine, but mum on ‘Bucha massacre’

“The impact of the crisis is being felt beyond the region with increasing food and energy costs, especially for many developing countries. It is in our collective interest to work constructively, both inside the United Nations and outside, towards seeking an early resolution to the conflict,” he added.