Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s claims that India is “funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.” Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy stated that “India is mostly with us” while acknowledging ongoing energy challenges that complicate the picture. His comments came after Trump, during a speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), directly accused India and China of being key financial backers of Moscow’s war through energy purchases.

Zelenskyy highlighted that India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been engaged with Kyiv and that Ukraine values India’s potential contribution toward ending the war. He noted that while India continues its energy trade with Russia, stronger cooperation between Europe and India could help shift New Delhi’s approach over time. “We have to do everything not to withdraw India, and they’ll change their attitude to the Russian energy sector,” he said.

The Ukrainian leader stressed that closer engagement between Europe and India could act as a counterbalance to Russia’s leverage, especially in the global energy market. He also pointed out that Iran, unlike India, will “never be on our side,” making India’s role even more critical for Ukraine’s diplomatic strategy.

Trump’s UNGA Remarks And India’s Response

Trump, who has long argued that the Ukraine war could be the “easiest war to end,” told world leaders at the UN that Russia’s offensive was being sustained by revenue from energy sales, much of it coming from Indian and Chinese imports. He emphasized that global powers should not provide Moscow the resources to continue its military campaign.

India, however, has consistently defended its energy trade, stating that it operates within the framework of international law. New Delhi has underscored its responsibility to safeguard national interests and economic security while pointing to Western nations’ continued imports of Russian goods.

Zelenskyy expressed optimism about his recent conversation with Trump, describing it as more positive. He said Trump indicated willingness to support Ukraine until the end, aligning with Zelenskyy’s own call for ending the war swiftly. “He understands that Putin doesn’t want that and is not winning,” Zelenskyy remarked, highlighting that Moscow’s claims of victory do not reflect the ground reality.

The comments from Zelenskyy also echoed earlier remarks made after a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, when he said Kyiv was counting on “India’s contribution to ending the war with Russia.” For Zelenskyy, keeping India engaged diplomatically is a central part of ensuring broader international backing for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.