Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday admitted that it would be "understandable" for Washington to apply tariffs on India and other nations for purchasing Russian crude oil, but he warned America against waiting for others to act before doing something against Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy reiterated that delay just gives more time to Moscow to plan, adding that the Russian president is keenly looking for means to emerge from global isolation.
In an exclusive Sky News interview at Kyiv’s Presidential Palace, Zelenskyy criticized Putin for benefiting too much from last month’s Alaska summit with Donald Trump—a meeting that excluded Ukraine. “He should have received a setback in this war and stop. But instead, he received de-isolation. He got the photos with President Trump. He received public dialogue, and I think this opens the doors for Putin into some other summits and formats,” he said.
Zelenskyy continued to note that Putin is "doing everything he can to stay away from sanctions" and concurred when asked if the Kremlin leader was trying to play the US president. "If you continue to postpone the imposition of sanctions any further, then the Russians will be better equipped," he cautioned.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that Putin "only understands force" and needs to be met with stricter measures in order to end the war.
His words follow Trump calling on NATO members to cease importing Russian oil and proposing tariffs as high as 100 per cent on China. Although Zelenskyy admitted the measures "are understandable," he maintained that the US need not wait for Europe or other partners to act. "I think the US is strong enough on its own.". They can do this sooner and now all that is missing is a stiff sanctions package from America," he stated.
Zelenskyy complained that the West has not made enough of a cost to Moscow, even as Russian attacks persist, including recent incursions into NATO airspace above Poland and Romania. He cautioned that making diplomatic space for Putin only emboldens him. "It is very important not to give Mr Putin this space, because otherwise he won’t feel compelled that he has to stop the war," he said.
Earlier, the Trump administration had also imposed duties on India for buying Russian oil, placing an additional 25% tariff over and above the current 25% base. New Delhi has deemed the action as irrational and unjustified.
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