Zelenskyy Urges India to Stop Buying Russian Oil Saying “Russia Is Basing Its Economy on India”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged India, China and Turkey to stop buying Russian crude, arguing that cutting Moscow’s energy revenues could pressure it to end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy said Russia’s economy relies heavily on energy sales to major Asian buyers.

“Russia is basing its economy on India, sometimes Turkey and China,” Zelenskyy said, arguing that Moscow would face greater pressure to stop fighting if these countries halted energy trade with Russia.

Why India, China Matter to Russia

Russia has shifted much of its oil trade towards Asian markets following Western sanctions and restrictions on its energy exports. India and China have emerged as major buyers of Russian crude, while Turkey remains an important energy and trade partner.

Zelenskyy has argued that revenue from these energy sales helps Russia sustain its military campaign in Ukraine.

India’s purchases of Russian crude have remained substantial despite a recent decline. Reuters reported that Indian imports of Russian oil fell 16.5 per cent in August to around 2.1 million barrels per day. Preliminary data indicated that imports could decline further to about 1.9 million barrels per day in September.

US Pressure on Russian Oil Buyers

Zelenskyy’s remarks came as Washington has increased pressure on countries continuing to purchase Russian energy.

US President Donald Trump has signed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, giving him authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying Russian oil and gas. India and China are among the major countries that could face the impact of such measures.

The move adds to pressure on New Delhi over its Russian oil purchases. India has maintained that its energy imports are driven by domestic economic requirements and energy security.

Zelenskyy Seeks Greater Pressure on Moscow

Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for stronger economic pressure on Russia alongside diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

During his visit to New York, he also met Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was prepared to discuss an “energy ceasefire” with Russia under which both sides would stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure.

He also said he was open to a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a trilateral format involving Trump.