Washington: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that India is “mostly with us,” while voicing hope that New Delhi will eventually revise its approach toward Russian energy imports with the intervention of US President Donald Trump.
In an interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy was asked about the roles of China and India in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The US has repeatedly criticized both nations for purchasing Russian oil, which Washington argues funds Moscow’s military operations.
“I think India mostly with us. Yes, we have these questions with energy, but I think that President Trump can manage it with Europeans, make more close and strong relations with India,” Zelenskyy stated.
The Ukrainian leader added, “We have to do everything not to withdraw Indians and they will change their attitude to the Russian energy sector.”
On China and Iran
When pressed further, Zelenskyy highlighted China’s significant influence over Russia. “China is here – a powerful nation on which Russia now depends completely. If China truly wanted this war to stop, it could compel Moscow to end the invasion. Without China, Putin’s Russia is nothing,” he said, accusing Beijing of staying silent instead of actively pursuing peace.
He also ruled out Iran’s support, remarking, “I think Iran will never be on our side, because we’ll never be on the side of the United States.”
India’s Energy Stand
India, meanwhile, has consistently maintained that its energy procurement is guided by national interest and market dynamics. After Western sanctions on Moscow in 2022, India increased imports of Russian crude sold at discounted rates, emphasizing that affordability and energy security are top priorities.
