Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming India’s steadfast and consistent position in favour of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and supporting efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister noted that President Zelenskyy had shared his perspectives on recent developments in the war. He reiterated India’s readiness to extend all possible support towards achieving peace, while also reviewing the progress in the India–Ukraine bilateral partnership and exploring avenues to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
"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," PM Modi wrote.
Zelenskyy Briefs PM on Russian Strikes
During the conversation, President Zelenskyy provided a detailed account of recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and villages, highlighting a strike on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that left dozens injured. He condemned the assault as a deliberate attack on civilian infrastructure at a time when diplomatic opportunities to end the war were emerging.
"Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings," Zelenskyy remarked in a post on X. He urged India to support Ukraine’s peace efforts and ensure that no decisions at peace talks are imposed without Ukraine’s participation.
Zelenskyy also proposed a meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York this September.
Call for Limiting Russian Oil Exports
The Ukrainian President further raised the issue of sanctions, emphasising the need to curb Russian energy exports—particularly oil—to reduce Moscow’s capacity to finance its military operations. "It is important that every leader with tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow," he stressed.
His remarks came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Russian oil imports, building upon earlier penalties imposed for countries purchasing oil from Moscow. On August 6, the U.S. further raised the duty on India’s imports, with the additional tariffs set to take effect from August 27.
India’s Energy Position
New Delhi has defended its energy procurement strategy, stressing that crude oil imports from Russia are dictated by global market realities rather than political alignment.
"India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, underlining the country’s commitment to ensuring stable and affordable energy access for its citizens.
The MEA described the new levies as “unjustified and unreasonable”, pointing to the double standards of the United States and European Union, which maintain their own trade ties with Russia—including U.S. imports of uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry.
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