The BRICS TimesIn an interview, Zelensky was asked whether he thinks the US sanctions on Russia have backfired, given the recent Modi-Putin bonhomie seen at the SCO Summit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has supported the proposal of imposing US tariffs on countries such as India, even as New Delhi continues its diplomatic outreach to help resolve the ongoing Ukraine war. In a conversation with ABC News, Zelensky said, “I think the idea to put tariffs on the country…continuing to make deals with Russia is the right idea.”
The Ukrainian leader made this remark when asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, where Modi was seen with Russian and Chinese leaders. His comment comes at a time when the Trump administration is preparing to toughen sanctions against Moscow. Trump’s earlier meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska failed to deliver any significant diplomatic progress.
On Sunday, Trump stated his readiness to expand sanctions on Russia. The National Economic Council director, Kevin Hassett, also suggested that new sanctions are being planned, with India specifically mentioned. Hassett explained, “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.” He further said, “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.”
India, in the past weeks, has increased its diplomatic efforts to push for peace in Ukraine. Modi spoke twice with Zelensky last month to discuss the matter. The Indian Prime Minister said he appreciated hearing Zelensky’s perspective and stressed India’s long-standing position that calls for a peaceful and early resolution of the conflict. Modi stated on X, “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.”
Additionally, Modi engaged with European leaders, including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, European Council chief Antonio Costa, and French president Emmanuel Macron, to share views on the Ukraine situation.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held discussions with Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, reiterating that India stands in support of a quick conclusion to the conflict and the creation of lasting peace.
Akshay Didwaniya
Pratik Agrawal
Mayur Mohta