Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday (local time) said he believes India is “mostly” on Kyiv’s side in the war with Russia, even as the US continues to express concern over New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
“I think we have to do everything not to withdraw Indians and they will change their attitude to Russian energy sector,” Zelenskyy told Fox News’ Special Report after meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The U.S. has cited India and China as contributors to the conflict due to their ongoing energy trade with Moscow. Sources told Reuters last week that Trump pressed European Union officials to impose 100% tariffs on China to deter Russian oil purchases, and proposed similar tariffs on India.
Despite such concerns, Zelenskyy underlined the importance of keeping ties with New Delhi. “"I think India is mostly with us. We have these questions with energy, but I think President Trump can manage it. With the Europeans make closer and stronger relations with India," he said.
On China, however, he noted, “it’s more difficult because… for today, it’s not in their interests not to support Russia.” He added, “I think that President Trump can change the attitude of Xi Jinping to this war, because China, we don’t feel that China wants to finish this war.”
China denied being a party to the conflict. Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said Beijing had “maintained an objective and just stance” and was promoting peace. “We call on all relevant parties to adhere to the three principles — no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no fanning of the flames — so as to de-escalate the situation and create conditions for a political settlement,” he said.
Zelenskyy also praised Trump for his commitment to supporting Ukraine until the conflict's resolution.
"He [Trump] showed that he wants to support Ukraine till the very end. So now we understand that we're ready to end this war as quickly as possible. He wants that, I want that, and our people want that, but he understands that Putin doesn't want," he said.
"What surprised me, in a very positive way, is the clear message from Trump and America that they will stand with us until the war is over," Zelenskyy added.
He also contrasted this with Russian President Vladimir Putin's narrative, and said, "Putin knows he is not winning but still says to everyone that he is winning."
“I think we have to do everything not to withdraw Indians and they will change their attitude to Russian energy sector,” Zelenskyy told Fox News’ Special Report after meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The U.S. has cited India and China as contributors to the conflict due to their ongoing energy trade with Moscow. Sources told Reuters last week that Trump pressed European Union officials to impose 100% tariffs on China to deter Russian oil purchases, and proposed similar tariffs on India.
Despite such concerns, Zelenskyy underlined the importance of keeping ties with New Delhi. “"I think India is mostly with us. We have these questions with energy, but I think President Trump can manage it. With the Europeans make closer and stronger relations with India," he said.
🚨🇺🇦🇮🇳 Zelensky on India
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 24, 2025
“The Western alliance must pull India into its fold.
Iran will never be on our side. But I think India is mostly with us. Yes, we have questions on energy, but those can be managed. President Trump can handle it.
Europe must build strong ties with… pic.twitter.com/ReVnjiBC7C
On China, however, he noted, “it’s more difficult because… for today, it’s not in their interests not to support Russia.” He added, “I think that President Trump can change the attitude of Xi Jinping to this war, because China, we don’t feel that China wants to finish this war.”
China denied being a party to the conflict. Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said Beijing had “maintained an objective and just stance” and was promoting peace. “We call on all relevant parties to adhere to the three principles — no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no fanning of the flames — so as to de-escalate the situation and create conditions for a political settlement,” he said.
Zelenskyy also praised Trump for his commitment to supporting Ukraine until the conflict's resolution.
"He [Trump] showed that he wants to support Ukraine till the very end. So now we understand that we're ready to end this war as quickly as possible. He wants that, I want that, and our people want that, but he understands that Putin doesn't want," he said.
"What surprised me, in a very positive way, is the clear message from Trump and America that they will stand with us until the war is over," Zelenskyy added.
He also contrasted this with Russian President Vladimir Putin's narrative, and said, "Putin knows he is not winning but still says to everyone that he is winning."
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