‘Right Idea’: Zelensky Backs US Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Purchases Amid Ukraine War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has endorsed the US approach of imposing tariffs on nations continuing trade with Russia, specifically highlighting countries like India, even as New Delhi ramps up its diplomatic outreach to help resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His comments come at a time when the Trump administration signals further sanctions against Moscow, potentially intensifying pressure on India’s energy imports from Russia.
In a recent interview, Zelensky described the tariff strategy as sound when questioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China, where he was seen with leaders from Beijing and Moscow. “I think the idea to put tariffs on the country who are continuing to make deals with Russia is the right idea,” Zelensky stated, underscoring his frustration with global trade that indirectly supports Russia’s military efforts.
The remarks follow a failed Trump-Putin summit in Alaska last month, which aimed at a diplomatic breakthrough but yielded no progress, prompting Washington to consider escalating measures. US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he is prepared to advance to a second phase of sanctions against Russia, telling reporters, “Yeah, I am,” when asked about the move. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett echoed this stance, pointing to India’s role in purchasing Russian oil as a key concern. “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,” Hassett said, adding that discussions on the scope and timing of new sanctions are imminent.
India, facing a cumulative 50% US tariff on its exports—half of which is a penalty for its Russian oil trade—has defended its purchases as essential for energy security and not in violation of sanctions. Despite the economic strain, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman affirmed last week that India will persist with these imports due to their cost-effectiveness. The tariffs, imposed in late August, were intended to curb Russia’s revenue streams funding the war, but analysts note they have inadvertently made Russian crude cheaper for Indian refiners, with discounts widening to $3-4 per barrel below Brent prices.
Amid these tensions, New Delhi has intensified its peace advocacy. Prime Minister Modi held two conversations with Zelensky last month, reiterating India’s commitment to a swift, peaceful resolution. “Glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments. 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 posted on X.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also discussed the issue with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, stating, “India supports an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace.” Modi further engaged with European leaders like European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and French President Emmanuel Macron on the Ukraine situation.
The US push for broader sanctions, potentially involving European partners, aims to collapse Russia’s economy and force negotiations, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who urged secondary tariffs on Russian oil buyers. However, India’s continued imports—now comprising 37% of its crude needs—highlight the challenges in enforcing such measures, as Russia redirects supplies to Asia at steeper discounts. This dynamic has strained US-India relations, with Trump expressing disappointment despite his personal rapport with Modi, while Indian officials label the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable”
