Zelensky Backs US Tariffs on India for Buying Russian Oil
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has surprised many by supporting the US idea of slapping heavy tariffs on countries like India that keep buying Russian oil. In a recent ABC News interview, Zelensky called it the "right idea" to hit nations doing business with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.
The comments come as US President Donald Trump pushes for these punitive tariffs, sparking worries in India. This is especially true after the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China’s Tianjin, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Those meetings painted a picture of a growing Asian alliance, raising eyebrows in the West.
Zelensky’s strong stance on tariffs against India for Russian oil imports has drawn backlash, despite Modi’s calls for peace and India’s aid to Ukraine, including humanitarian help and even fuel supplies. Why the tough words? Experts point to a few key reasons. First, these tariffs could scare other countries away from purchasing discounted Russian oil, which helps fund Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Another factor seems personal for Zelensky. Back in late February 2025, he faced a rough meeting in the Oval Office with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. Trump accused Zelensky of showing "disrespect" and "gambling with millions of lives." Vance even scolded him for not thanking the US enough for military aid. Despite the tension, Zelensky later expressed gratitude to Trump, Congress, and the American people, stressing Ukraine’s push for "just and lasting peace."
Since that awkward encounter, Zelensky has chosen a more thankful approach, avoiding direct fights. He knows the US now needs to pressure Putin directly to end the conflict. But the biggest grudge might trace back to the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi. The original draft of the New Delhi Declaration called out "Russian aggression" in Ukraine. India, as host, pushed for softer language, changing it to the neutral "war in Ukraine." This toned-down version avoided blaming Russia outright and focused on the war’s impact on global stability.
Ukraine slammed the change as "deeply disappointing," calling it a "missed opportunity" that lacked "clarity and courage." They argued it could encourage more unprovoked attacks. Compare that to the 2022 G20 Bali Declaration, which openly voiced "deep concern" over Russia’s invasion and the humanitarian crisis it caused.
Zelensky’s support for US tariffs on India highlights the tricky geopolitics of the Ukraine-Russia war. As nations navigate alliances and energy deals, these moves could reshape global trade and push for stronger action against Russian oil buyers. Stay tuned for how India and the US respond to this brewing tariff tension.
