International Desk – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has supported US plans to impose tariffs on countries, including India, that continue trading with Russia. Speaking to ABC News, Zelensky said, “The idea to put tariffs on the country… continuing to make deals with Russia is the right idea.”
His remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, where he met leaders of Russia and China. The Trump administration is preparing tougher sanctions on Moscow after last month’s summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska failed to reach a breakthrough.
US National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett pointed to India’s purchase of Russian oil as an example, saying Washington was ready to respond economically to countries helping fund Russia’s war.
Meanwhile, India has intensified diplomatic outreach for peace in Ukraine. Modi spoke to Zelensky twice last month, stressing India’s support for a peaceful resolution. He also discussed the issue with top European leaders, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told his Ukrainian counterpart that India supports an early and lasting peace.
