Volodymyr Zelensky says India ‘mostly with us’ amid Trump’s charges over funding Russia-Ukraine war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he believes that India is “mostly” with Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, opposing recent remarks by US President Donald Trump accusing India and China of being “primary funders” of Russia’s war effort.

Speaking in an interview, Zelensky acknowledged that energy relationships complicate India’s position but expressed confidence that diplomatic engagement can help address them. “I think India, mostly, with us. Yes, we have questions with energy, but I think President Trump can manage it,” he said.

Zelensky contrasted India’s stance with that of China, stating that China faces deeper strategic constraints. “With China it’s more difficult because today it’s not in their interests not to support Russia,” he remarked.

His comments came after Trump’s address at the United Nations General Assembly, in which Trump accused both India and China of continuing to fund Russia’s war by purchasing Russian oil.

Analysts see Zelensky’s remarks as part of a broader diplomatic effort to keep India aligned with the Western bloc while recognizing New Delhi’s energy dependencies.

India’s role is viewed as pivotal given its large population, diplomatic influence, and growing strategic ties with both Western powers and Russia.

India has maintained a cautious position in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It has abstained in several UN votes condemning Russia, and its ties with both Russia and Ukraine continue through trade, energy, and diplomatic channels.

In recent years, India has increased its imports of Russian oil, particularly after Western sanctions reduced Moscow’s other buyer base. This shift has drawn criticism from the U.S. and others attempting to further isolate Russia economically.

As global diplomatic pressure intensifies, Zelensky’s message underscores the delicate balance India seeks to maintain—between strategic autonomy, energy security, and international expectations in a polarized geopolitical climate.