'Putin not evil': Ex-Indian envoy decodes power of narrative, explains Russia-Ukraine reality

NEW DELHI: The Russia-Ukraine war, which the Kremlin called a 'special military operation', has stretched for more than two years, with no clear solution in sight to persuade both nations to bury the hatchet.
Meanwhile, the West's decision to pump more ammunition and funding into the war has further accentuated the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow.
In a recent interview with The Times Of India, ex-Indian foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal, who served as Indian ambassador to Russia between 2004 and 2007, explains the power of narrative and how the West has been controlling the narrative to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin, who he said 'not an evil'.

The former Ambassador also delves into the West's desperation to convince India to attend the June peace summit scheduled to take place in Switzerland. He also explains Russia's stand on the Switzerland peace summit that will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and how New Delhi must manoeuvre.
Kanwal Sibal also talks about the 'unpredictable' Donald Trump and possible US policy in case he returns to the White House after the 2024 presidential polls.