'As Lord Hanuman Stood Unwavering...': Ukraine Envoy To Skip Diplomats' Maha Kumbh Visit

Last Updated:January 27, 2025, 19:34 IST

Earlier it was reported that diplomats of 73 countries including Russia and Ukraine would visit Prayagraj to take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam during ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.

Devotees gather to take a holy dip at the Sangam during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj (PTI)

Amid the reports of foreign diplomats participating in the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, Ukraine has refused to attend the event saying that participating in celebrations along with representatives of Russia would betray the principles of justice and truth.

In a series of posts on X, Ukraine said, “Recent media reports suggesting Ukraine’s participation in celebrations along with representatives of the aggressor during the Maha Kumbh Mela on February 1, 2025 are wishful thinking only."

Drawing parallels with Lord Hanuman, Kyiv said, “As Lord Hanuman, the protector of dharma, stood unwavering in the face of evil, Ukraine too stands firm as a guardian of justice and truth. Participating alongside representatives of the aggressor at the Maha Kumbh would betray these very principles. Thus, the Ambassador of Ukraine to India will avoid participation on this occasion."

Kyiv further accused Moscow of mass killings, brutal torture of war prisoners, and destroying of Ukraine’s national identity and culture. It said that the blood of thousands of innocents would forever stain the hands of Russia and these sins could never be washed away even by the sacred Triveni Sangam.

“Ongoing aggression against Ukraine results in mass killings, forcible child deportations, brutal torture of prisoners of war, sexual violence against women and girls, and the destruction of Ukraine’s national identity and culture. This blood, the blood of thousands innocently killed by the aggressor people still knocks in our hearts. This blood will forever stain the hands of the aggressor and can never be washed away, not even by the sacred waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at the Holy Triveni Sangam," it added.

Earlier it was reported that diplomats of 73 countries including Russia and Ukraine would visit Prayagraj to take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam during ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.

Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand had confirmed to the news agency PTI that the diplomats would participate in the mega religious congregation on February 1.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also wrote to the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary regading the diplomats’ visit, saying that envoys from countries including Japan, USA, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Netherlands, Cameroon, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland and Bolivia would participate in the Maha Kumbh, Anand added.

As per the letter, all these foreign diplomats would reach Triveni Sangam Nose via boat and take a dip in the holy Sangam. After this, they would pay their obeisance at Akshayvat and Bade Hanuman Temple, following which they would “understand" Maha Kumbh at the Digital Maha Kumbh Experience Centre.

Prayagraj, India

News world 'As Lord Hanuman Stood Unwavering...': Ukraine Envoy To Skip Diplomats' Maha Kumbh Visit