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New Delhi: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India’s support was vital to ending the war with Russia, while raising concerns over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. In a phone call, the two leaders discussed the conflict, bilateral ties, and sanctions on Moscow, with Modi reiterating India’s stance on the need for an early and peaceful resolution.
In a post 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. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine."
Zelenskyy, in his own post on X, said he held a detailed discussion with Modi on bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation. "I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people," he said.
The Ukrainian president also briefed Modi on recent Russian attacks, including a strike on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that injured dozens. "This is at a time when there is finally a diplomatic possibility to end the war. Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings," Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that it was important for India to support Ukraine's peace efforts, adding that "everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine's participation" and warning that "other formats will not deliver results".
Zelenskyy also raised the issue of sanctions on Russia, calling for limits on the export of Russian energy -- particularly oil -- to weaken Moscow’s capacity to fund the war. "It is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow," he said.
India is one of the largest buyer of discounted Russian crude oil. India's import of Russian oil went from 0.2 per cent before the start of the conflict to around 40 per cent of its total import at one point of time. United States President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent penalty tariff on India over the oil import which he said was funding Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine.
The conversation comes ahead of a proposed meeting between Trump and Putin later this month in Alaska over the Ukraine conflict.
