By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – President of Ukraine Zelenskyyon Monday has backed US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on India, calling it a “right idea” even as he seeks to leverage PM Modi’s friendly ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek an end to the Ukraine war.
Zelenskyy was asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Putin and China’s Xi Jinping and whether Trump’s imposition of tariffs on India could backfire.
In response, he said, “It is the right idea to put tariffs on countries that continue to make deals with Russia.”
Zelenskyy said that it is worth mentioning that ahead of Modi’s China visit to attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin late last month, Zelenskyy had called PM Modi, urged him to set up a meeting with Putin.
Modi was scheduled to meet the Russian President on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Zelenskyy, during his phonecall, said that he was ready to meet the Russian leader, asking Modi to convey his message to him.
“India is ready to make the necessary efforts and to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders during the meetings on the sidelines of the summit,” he said on X while informing about his conversation with Modi.
His latest remarks supporting US tariffs on India for purchasing Russian Federation oil came after Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the war began, targeting a main government building in Kyiv.
Zelenskyy called for tough sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with the country.
“This (Russian attack) is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world—whether they will accept or tolerate this,” he said in a series of posts on X.
“That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions—sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs, and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing,” he added.
Moreover, Trump said he is ready to move to the second stage of sanctioning Russia over the war in Ukraine.
Trump’s latest comments underscored his frustration at failing to secure a peace deal, even after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month in Alaska.
When asked by a reporter at the White House if he is ready to move to the second stage of sanctions against Russia, Trump responded, “Yeah, I am.”
