Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that he had a detailed phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the dialogue, the Indian leader expressed words of support for the Ukrainian people, and the main topic of discussion was sanctions against the Russian Federation.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Details of the Negotiations on Sanctions and Energy
According to Zelensky, special attention was paid during the conversation to the issues of limiting the export of energy resources from Russia, particularly oil. The President emphasized the necessity of reducing Russia’s potential to finance the war by limiting its energy revenues. He specifically highlighted the importance of every world leader with influential tools regarding Russia demonstrating a clear position and sending appropriate signals to Moscow.
“I noted that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy resources, particularly oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war. It is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends appropriate signals to Moscow right now,” Zelensky wrote.
International Reaction and India’s Position
During the conversation, the leaders also agreed to a personal meeting at the UN General Assembly session, which will take place in September in New York, and discussed the possibility of future exchange visits.
Meanwhile, international oil trade remains a subject of sharp discussions. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order in early August imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from India due to its cooperation with Russia in the oil procurement sector. According to Trump, India not only purchases large volumes of Russian oil but also resells it on the global market at high profits, despite the losses among the Ukrainian population due to Russian aggression.
In response, India accused the U.S. and the European Union of double standards regarding trade with Russia, noting that Washington and Brussels continue commercial relations with Moscow, although for them it is not a matter of vital necessity. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs called the decision on additional tariffs “extremely unfortunate.”
India remains one of the largest global buyers of Russian oil, a significant portion of which is refined into petroleum products and exported to third countries.