‘Russia’s Economy Depends On India’: Zelensky Says Ending Oil Trade Could Help End Ukraine War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russia’s economy relies heavily on energy trade with countries including India, China and Turkey, and called for an end to their purchases of Russian oil.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Zelensky said Moscow was basing its economy on energy sales to major buyers and argued that cutting those trade ties would increase pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

“Russia is basing its economy on India, sometimes Turkey and China,” Zelensky said. “And it is obvious if these guys stop their energy trade with Russia, then it (Russia) will have to stop fighting the war.”

His remarks came days after US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law. The legislation gives the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China. The tariffs are not automatic and their implementation remains at the president’s discretion.

Zelensky said he hoped the new US sanctions framework would help put pressure on Moscow to end the war.

“I hope that we will end this (Russia-Ukraine war) and President Trump will help us to end this war,” he said. “We need to do this as soon as possible, before winter, better before winter.”

Where Do Russia-India Oil Ties Stand?

India remains one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude, although its imports have declined recently. Reuters reported that Indian purchases of Russian oil fell 16.5% in August to around 2.1 million barrels per day, while preliminary data indicated a further decline to about 1.9 million bpd in September. Russia nevertheless remained India’s largest supplier.

The issue of Russian oil purchases has repeatedly strained India-US relations. Washington has sought to use tariffs and sanctions to pressure countries that continue importing Russian energy, while New Delhi has maintained that its energy purchases are guided by market conditions and national energy-security requirements.

The new US law has increased the potential pressure on India. It authorises tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, although the president has discretion over which countries and tariff rates are ultimately targeted.

Moscow, meanwhile, has continued to defend its energy relationship with New Delhi. Russian officials have said India’s purchases are driven by its own energy requirements and that Russia remains committed to supplying the country.

The latest comments from Zelensky come as Kyiv seeks greater international pressure on Moscow while diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war continue.