Zelenskyy urges PM Modi to help restrict Russian energy exports amid war

Zelenskyy Briefs PM Modi on Russian Strikes, Pushes for Tougher Oil Sanctions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone, briefing him on intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and villages, including a strike on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that injured dozens.

Zelenskyy said that while there is a diplomatic opening to end the war, Russia “is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire.”

On X, the Ukrainian leader wrote: “I had a long conversation with the Prime Minister of India. We discussed in detail all important issues – both of our bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people.”

He stressed the importance of India’s backing for Ukraine’s peace efforts, noting that “everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation. Other formats will not deliver results.”

The two leaders also discussed sanctions on Russia, with Zelenskyy urging a curb on Russian energy exports, particularly oil, to limit Moscow’s ability to finance the war. “It is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow,” he wrote.

Zelenskyy and PM Modi agreed to meet in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and to work on an exchange of bilateral visits.

PM Reaffirms India’s Peace Push
PM Modi thanked Zelenskyy and reiterated India’s “steadfast and consistent” position for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and support for all efforts to restore peace at the earliest. He reaffirmed India’s willingness to extend “every possible contribution” and discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.

On X, Modi said: “Glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments. I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict… as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine.”

Oil Sanctions Row with US
Zelenskyy’s comments on Russian oil come just days after US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on India to 50% for buying Russian oil, despite repeated warnings. The hike, announced on August 6, adds to the 25% tariff and penalty Trump had earlier imposed.

India hit back, calling the move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” with the Ministry of External Affairs saying oil purchases are vital for the country’s energy security. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also slammed Trump as a “bully.”