Ukrainian President Zelensky backed U.S. tariffs on India for importing Russian oil, calling it the “right idea”. His remarks, rooted in frustration over past diplomatic setbacks, highlight tensions between Kyiv and New Delhi amid shifting global power dynamics.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sparked fresh controversy by publicly backing Washington’s proposed punitive tariffs on India and other countries continuing to import Russian oil. Speaking in an interview with ABC News, Zelensky described the move as the “right idea”, suggesting that nations engaged in business with Moscow should face economic consequences.
The remarks come at a sensitive time for New Delhi, just days after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. The summit showcased warm exchanges between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, fueling speculation of a tightening trilateral axis in Asia. Against this backdrop, Zelensky’s endorsement of U.S. tariffs on India has raised eyebrows globally and provoked criticism in Indian policy circles.
From Aid to Accusations
India has, despite its longstanding strategic partnership with Russia, extended humanitarian assistance to Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. New Delhi has sent relief supplies, including medicine, food, and even fuel shipments, while repeatedly emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy to end hostilities. However, Zelensky’s blunt statement—supporting tariffs against India—appeared to overlook these efforts, drawing both surprise and backlash from commentators and officials.
Analysts believe Zelensky’s stance is driven by the desire to deter countries from sustaining Russia’s energy revenues. By welcoming punitive trade measures from Washington, the Ukrainian President hopes to pressure emerging powers like India to reconsider large-scale oil imports from Moscow, which remain a lifeline for the Russian economy amid Western sanctions.
A History of Strained Exchanges with Washington
Zelensky’s current emphasis on “gratitude over confrontation” also appears shaped by his difficult encounters with U.S. leaders earlier this year. In late February 2025, during his first Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, Zelensky faced an unusually hostile reception. Trump accused him of “disrespect” and of “gambling with millions of lives”, while Vance scolded the Ukrainian leader for not properly thanking the United States for its extensive military aid.
The episode left Zelensky visibly cornered. In response, he publicly shifted his rhetoric, repeatedly expressing appreciation for American support. “Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that,” he told reporters after his Washington visit, thanking the U.S. Congress, the White House, and “the American people.”
Observers note that since then, Zelensky has carefully avoided open confrontation with Washington, choosing instead to emphasize gratitude. His latest remarks on India fit into this pattern, aligning him with U.S. policy even when it risks alienating a potential partner like New Delhi.
Lingering Frustration Over G20 Language
Beyond the immediate tariff issue, Zelensky’s criticism also reflects Ukraine’s lingering dissatisfaction with India’s position on the war. At the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, the original draft of the joint declaration contained explicit references to “Russian aggression” in Ukraine. However, under Indian leadership, the final text replaced this phrasing with the more neutral “war in Ukraine”.
This shift marked a sharp departure from the 2022 Bali G20 Declaration, which explicitly expressed “deep concern” over Russia’s invasion and its humanitarian consequences. For Ukraine, the softened wording represented a diplomatic setback. Kyiv described the declaration as “deeply disappointing”, accusing it of “lacking clarity and courage” while warning that it could embolden future acts of aggression.
The Bigger Picture
Taken together, Zelensky’s endorsement of tariffs on India reveals a complex blend of frustration, strategy, and political pragmatism. On one hand, it underscores Ukraine’s desire to tighten pressure on Russia’s energy trade partners. On the other, it reflects Zelensky’s broader strategy of aligning closely with U.S. policy after facing public rebukes in Washington.
For India, however, the statement comes as a reminder of the delicate balancing act it faces between strategic autonomy, energy security, and global expectations. While New Delhi continues to call for dialogue and peace, its strong ties with both Russia and the West make it a focal point in the wider geopolitical contest.
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As debates intensify, Zelensky’s words will likely harden scrutiny on India’s Russia policy. Whether it leads to realignment or further tensions remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the war in Ukraine continues to reverberate far beyond Europe, shaping the future of global diplomacy and trade.
