Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed strong support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose tariffs on countries continuing to buy oil and energy products from Russia. In an interview with ABC News on Sunday, Zelenskyy called the measure “the right idea,” framing it as a necessary tool to weaken Moscow’s ability to sustain its war in Ukraine.
President Trump, who has taken a tough stance on global trade with Moscow since his return to office, recently announced a new tariff structure targeting countries that have maintained economic engagement with Russia despite Western sanctions. Among the most significant moves was the imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian imports to the US — 25 percent as a reciprocal measure and another 25 percent directly tied to New Delhi’s ongoing purchases of discounted Russian oil.
While Trump’s decision has sparked debate worldwide, Zelenskyy left little ambiguity in backing the policy. “I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia… I think this is the right idea,” he told ABC. For Kyiv, the logic is straightforward: as long as Russia continues to generate billions of dollars through oil sales, the Kremlin has the resources to prolong its war effort.
India, one of the world’s largest energy importers, has consistently defended its decision to buy Russian crude, citing affordability, energy security, and consumer needs as the driving factors. Officials in New Delhi argue that such purchases are legal under international trade rules and essential for keeping domestic fuel prices stable.
However, Zelenskyy’s remarks add to the mounting pressure India faces from the U.S. and European allies. For Ukraine, every barrel of oil bought from Russia represents additional funds for weapons, missiles, and military operations that continue to devastate Ukrainian cities. “Energy is one of Putin’s most dangerous weapons,” Zelenskyy stressed. “And if countries continue to give money to Russia, it will be used against Ukraine and against global security.”
Zelenskyy did not limit his criticism to Asian buyers. He also expressed disappointment at certain European countries that, despite pledging solidarity with Ukraine, have continued to purchase Russian oil and gas through loopholes or third-party arrangements. “That is not fair,” he said, underscoring that such economic ties undermine the sanctions regime painstakingly built since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Analysts note that Zelenskyy’s support for Trump’s tariffs is a calculated move, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s diplomatic hand. By endorsing Washington’s tougher economic measures, Kyiv hopes to rally a more unified front against Moscow. “The losses must be felt,” Zelenskyy remarked, suggesting that only through tangible economic pain will Russia be compelled to reconsider its aggression.
The tariffs also highlight broader questions about how far the international community is willing to go in isolating Russia. While the U.S. pushes for stricter economic punishments, countries like India and several in Asia and Africa continue to prioritise national interests and economic stability over geopolitical pressure.
Whether Trump’s tariffs will significantly alter India’s approach remains uncertain. New Delhi has balanced relations between Washington and Moscow for decades, leveraging its role as both a strategic partner to the U.S. and a traditional ally of Russia. For now, Indian officials insist that their priority remains ensuring affordable energy for their 1.4 billion citizens.
Nevertheless, Zelenskyy’s endorsement of Trump’s strategy injects new urgency into the debate. For Ukraine, the message is clear: global trade with Russia must carry consequences. The endorsement also sends a signal to countries worldwide that neutrality or economic pragmatism in the face of Russia’s invasion is increasingly difficult to justify.
As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the intersection of trade, energy, and geopolitics is becoming ever more complex. Trump’s tariffs, combined with Zelenskyy’s vocal support, mark the latest escalation in efforts to cut off Moscow’s lifelines—and raise the stakes for nations like India that continue to walk a delicate tightrope.
