Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed support for U.S. tariffs targeting countries like India, even as New Delhi has intensified its diplomatic efforts to help mediate a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. “I think the idea to put tariffs on the country...continuing to make deals with Russia is the right idea,” Zelensky said in an interview with ABC News.
Zelensky’s comments came in response to a question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where he appeared alongside Chinese and Russian leaders. His remarks also coincided with the Trump administration’s preparations to broaden sanctions against Moscow, following a summit in Alaska between former President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that failed to produce any diplomatic breakthroughs.
On Sunday, Trump said that he is ready to expand sanctions against Russia. National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett also hinted at new sanctions that will be levelled against Moscow, citing India as a particular example. “At the National Economic Council, we are responsible for making sure that sanctions get enforced and that people who are helping Russia with their war against Ukraine...for example, what India has been doing by buying Russian oil...that we’re ready to respond to them economically,” said Hassett after the latest Russian military strikes on Ukraine. “I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of talk today and tomorrow about the level of sanctions and the timing of sanctions."
Meanwhile, India has been actively engaging in diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict. Modi spoke with Zelensky twice last month regarding the situation. "I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine,” Modi said on X, adding that he appreciated hearing Zelensky’s perspectives on recent developments.
In addition, Modi held discussions last week with European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council Chief Antonio Costa, and French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on the Ukraine crisis.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, reiterating that India supports an early end to the conflict and the establishment of lasting peace.
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