Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on India to cease purchasing Russian oil, arguing that such a move could compel Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Zelenskyy stated, Russia is basing its economy on India, sometimes Turkey and China. And it is obvious if these guys stop their energy trade with Russia, then it (Russia) will have to stop fighting the war.
He emphasized that India, China, and the United States collectively hold the power to pressure Moscow into ending the conflict. Swarajya reported the remarks, which followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s signing of the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, granting authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on Russian oil buyers, including India, China, and Turkey.
Zelenskyy Urges India to Halt Russian Oil Purchases to End War
Zelenskyy expressed hope that the legislation would accelerate a resolution to the war, urging Trump to invoke sanctions if Russia refused to scale back hostilities. Russian oil has accounted for between a third and nearly half of India’s crude imports, a practice that has drawn U.S. criticism. Washington previously doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% last year before reducing them. India has defended its purchases as driven by market conditions and energy security needs. Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov stated that India’s oil purchases support its own development,
while Moscow remains committed to meeting its energy demands.
India Stresses Diplomacy Over Oil Cuts in Ukraine War Talks
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during a September 3, 2026, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha in Kyiv, reiterated India’s stance that the war’s resolution depends on dialogue, not energy trade. This conflict will be solved by dialogue, by diplomacy and by negotiation,
Jaishankar said, dismissing the notion that halting Russian oil purchases alone could end the war. The Hindu reported the remarks, which followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for an end to the war during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek.
Jaishankar also highlighted concerns over the impact of the Black Sea conflict on global supply chains, citing attacks on commercial shipping that have endangered Indian sailors. Over the past five years, India has sent 19 relief consignments to Ukraine, including medicines and medical equipment. The minister emphasized the need for safer maritime routes, noting that such incidents exacerbate energy, agricultural, and food shortages in developing nations.
Escalating Attacks Highlight War’s Broader Impact
Recent hostilities underscore the war’s volatility. Ukraine reportedly struck a Moscow oil refinery with drones, marking the second such attack on the facility in a week, while Russia claimed to have intercepted 555 Ukrainian drones near Kyiv. The strikes occurred as Zelenskyy coordinated with U.S. and European leaders, including Trump, to seek a diplomatic breakthrough. Despite these efforts, the conflict has persisted for over four years, with both sides exchanging fierce attacks.
Zelenskyy’s calls for India to act align with broader international pressure on Russia. However, New Delhi’s energy strategy remains focused on balancing economic interests with geopolitical considerations, even as the war’s human and economic toll continues to mount.