Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said he had a detailed phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the two leaders discussed sanctions on Russian oil and agreed to meet in person on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for India’s ongoing support for Ukraine’s peace efforts, stressing that any resolution to the conflict must involve Kyiv directly. “Everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation. Other formats will not deliver results,” he wrote, urging global leaders with leverage over Moscow to send strong signals in favour of ending the war.
I had a long conversation with the Prime Minister of India @narendramodi. We discussed in detail all important issues – both of our bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 11, 2025
Sanctions And Energy Exports In Focus
The Ukrainian president highlighted the importance of international sanctions, particularly targeting Russian energy exports such as oil, to curb Moscow’s capacity to finance its military operations. He also briefed PM Modi on the latest Russian attacks, including a strike on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that injured dozens of civilians. “Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings,” Zelenskyy stated.
PM Modi reaffirmed New Delhi’s consistent stance on the conflict. “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,” he posted on X.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 11, 2025
Tensions Over Russian Oil Trade
Zelenskyy’s renewed call for restricting Russian oil exports comes days after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on purchases of oil from Moscow, following repeated warnings. India, among several nations importing discounted Russian crude, is affected by the hike. The Trump administration had earlier announced a penalty exceeding 25 per cent on India for continuing oil trade with Russia, and the latest increase, announced on August 6, will take effect on August 27.
In response, India has defended its energy procurement policy, arguing that purchases from Russia are dictated by economic and market realities rather than political alignment. Officials have repeatedly stressed that affordable energy imports are vital for the country’s economic stability, particularly amid volatile global fuel prices.