NEW DELHI, 23 February 2022, (TON): Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of two separatist regions of Ukraine Donetsk and Lugansk. Amid heightened Ukraine-Russia tensions, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti called for restraint from all sides and stated that the issue could only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.

He said the escalation of tension along the Ukraine-Russia border was a matter of 'deep concern'.

TS Tirumurti said "these developments have the potential to undermine peace and security of the region. We cannot afford to have military escalation. The immediate priority is de-escalation. We call for restraint on all sides. We're convinced that this issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue. We need to give space to recent initiatives undertaken by parties which seek to defuse tensions”.

He added "we strongly emphasise the vital need for all sides to maintain international peace and security by exercising the utmost restraint and intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure that a mutually amicable solution is arrived at the earliest."