Russia and the West are battling to get China and India on their side

The two have been eagerly fighting to persuade the powers to support their view of the conflict in Ukraine.

Foreign Ministers from both Russia and the UK visited India last week, speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an attempt to deepen ties.

China, however, has taken a more neutral stance, not siding with any particular country.

Ukrainian politician Inna Sovsun says Ukraine has been deeply disappointed by the response from these countries.

“I’ve been talking to journalists in India and it is my understanding that they somehow perceive this war to be between Russia and the US,” Ms Sovsun says.

“My message to all Indians and the Indian government – no matter geopolitics, democracy should stand together,

“And Ukraine and India are democracies, not perfect but on their way to perfection.”

Ms Sovsun says India should stand with Ukraine, against authoritarian regimes.

“We cannot be choosing which dictatorship to cooperate with because we should all be fighting for democratic values,” she says.

Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine continues with Russian troops reportedly beginning to withdraw.

But as Russia’s Victory Day approaches, Sovsun says it is likely that Putin will exaggerate the country’s military might and success in Ukraine to justify the conflict.

She says it is likely that during Putin’s May 6 speech, he may claim some victory in order to assert his power.

“These dates are extremely important for the Neo-Nazi society there … if he is not able to claim victory that will shake his power,” Ms Sovsun says.

“That would show to the whole population that he started a war but he cannot show any progress.”

But Ms Sovsun insisted that this would not mark an end to the war.

“Russians will not stop there, and Ukraine, we will not give up and surrender our territories,” she says.