Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on trading partners maintaining strong economic ties with Russia, including India. In a recent interview with American broadcaster ABC, Zelensky called Moscow’s energy exports “a weapon” in the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and argued that punitive economic measures were a necessary step to weaken Russia’s ability to fund its war against Ukraine.
Zelensky: “Energy Is Putin’s Weapon”
Zelensky emphasised that Russia’s continued trade in oil and gas allows Putin to bankroll the invasion of Ukraine. He urged not just the United States, but also Europe and other countries to end all forms of energy dependence on Moscow.
“I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea,” Zelensky said. “Energy is his [Putin’s] weapon. This is only one way to stop the killer – you need to take away his weapon.”
The Ukrainian leader expressed frustration that while many nations have expressed solidarity with Ukraine, some continue to purchase Russian gas and oil, undermining the effectiveness of Western sanctions.
Trump’s Tariffs Target India
The comments come amid escalating trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi. President Trump recently doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a massive 50 percent, citing India’s purchase of Russian crude oil as a direct violation of U.S. sanctions efforts. This includes an additional 25 percent penalty specifically tied to India’s energy imports from Russia.
India has strongly criticised the move, describing the tariff hike as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” New Delhi has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict but insists that its energy deals with Moscow are driven by national interest and economic necessity.
Sharp Words for Europe
Zelensky also criticised European partners for their reluctance to fully sever energy ties with Russia. He thanked allied governments for their political and military support, but argued that their ongoing purchases of Russian gas weaken the united front against Moscow.
“Some of them continue to buy oil and Russian gas. And this is not fair. We have to stop buying any kind of energy from Russia,” Zelensky said.
Putin’s Alaska Meeting With Trump
Zelensky further weighed in on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent meeting with Donald Trump in Alaska on August 15. Putin was given what many described as a “grand welcome,” but Zelensky said it was “a pity Ukraine was not there.”
According to him, the meeting gave Putin symbolic legitimacy on the global stage, without yielding any progress on a ceasefire. “Trump gave Putin what he wanted… he wanted to meet the U.S. President. Putin wanted to show everybody that he is there,” Zelensky remarked.
Rejecting Putin’s Invite to Moscow
In a pointed message, Zelensky dismissed Putin’s invitation to hold talks in Moscow. “He can come to Kyiv… I can’t go to Moscow when my country is under missiles,” he said, ruling out negotiations on Russia’s terms.
Escalation on the Battlefield
Zelensky’s remarks came shortly before Russia unleashed its largest aerial barrage since the war began. Missiles and drones struck Ukrainian cities, killing four people and setting government offices in Kyiv ablaze. In response, Trump warned that the U.S. was prepared to “move forward with new sanctions” against Moscow.
The failed Alaska summit and the intensifying Russian attacks have raised fears of further escalation. Zelensky, however, said he was counting on a “strong U.S. response” to push back against Russia’s renewed aggression.
Conclusion
By openly backing Trump’s punitive tariffs on India and other Russian trade partners, Zelensky has made clear that he views economic pressure as a vital tool in Ukraine’s survival. His comments underline Kyiv’s frustration with nations balancing between energy interests and moral responsibility. As the war enters a more dangerous phase, the alignment—or resistance—of global powers to Washington’s hard line on Russian trade could determine not only Ukraine’s future, but the stability of the broader international order.
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