Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he supports the idea of the United States imposing tariffs on countries like India, which continue to buy oil from Russia despite the ongoing war.
His remarks come even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian officials step up diplomatic outreach to push for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
Zelensky Sharp Message
Speaking in an interview, Zelensky was asked about PM Modi recent visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Responding, Zelensky said:
“I think the idea to put tariffs on the country…continuing to make deals with Russia is the right idea.”
His comments reflect Kyiv growing frustration with countries that maintain trade ties with Moscow while the war continues.
India Push for Peace
Despite criticism, India has kept up efforts to mediate dialogue. PM Modi has spoken to Zelensky twice in the past month.
“I conveyed India consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Modi said after his call. “India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard.”
Modi has also held talks with European leaders including Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa, and Emmanuel Macron, focusing on peace efforts and de-escalation.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, reiterating India call for an early end to the conflict.
Trump Administration Considers Tougher Sanctions
Back in Washington, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing to expand sanctions against Russia and its partners.
Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, specifically pointed to India continued oil purchases from Russia.
“We are responsible for making sure sanctions get enforced. What India has been doing by buying Russian oil—we’re ready to respond to them economically,” Hassett said.
So far, no new measures have been officially announced, but officials confirm that discussions are underway.
India Stand on Russian Oil
New Delhi has defended its purchases, insisting they are driven by energy security and economic stability, not by politics.
With global oil prices rising, affordable Russian crude has become vital for India economy. Jaishankar has repeatedly argued that while India supports peace efforts, it must also safeguard its own energy needs.
Analysts say India is trying to balance global expectations with domestic priorities — maintaining neutrality on the conflict while ensuring its citizens are not hit by energy shortages or spiraling costs.
The Bigger Picture
The Ukraine war has created difficult choices for many nations.
- For Ukraine, punishing Russia aggression remains the top priority.
- For India, keeping energy affordable is crucial for economic growth.
- For the US and Europe, sanctions are seen as a key tool to weaken Moscow.
But experts warn that tougher sanctions could push up oil prices globally, hitting import-dependent economies hardest. This highlights the tension between geopolitics and economic survival.
What Lies Ahead
Zelensky backing of tariffs highlights Ukraine frustration with countries trading with Russia, while India diplomatic outreach signals that dialogue is still possible.
For now, India is walking a delicate line — calling for peace, staying engaged with Ukraine and Europe, yet relying on Russian oil to protect its economy.
How the US, Russia, India, and Europe navigate the coming months will shape not just the Ukraine conflict, but also the future of global energy and diplomacy.
