Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism about India’s position on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating that India is “mostly” aligned with Kyiv while acknowledging the complexities around energy-related ties with Russia.
In an interview with Fox News on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of strengthening relations with India and ensuring that New Delhi continues to support Ukraine. “I think India is mostly with us. We have these questions with energy, but I think President Trump can manage it. With the Europeans, we need closer and stronger relations with India,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted the challenge of engaging China, noting that Beijing’s historic alignment with Russia makes cooperation more difficult. “With China, it’s more difficult because, for now, it’s not in their interest to stop supporting Russia,” he added.
Zelenskyy also praised US President Donald Trump for his steadfast support, saying, “He showed that he wants to support Ukraine till the very end… We are ready to end this war as quickly as possible. He wants that, I want that, and our people want that, but he understands that Putin doesn’t want.” He further contrasted this with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s narrative, noting, “Putin knows he is not winning but still says to everyone that he is winning.”