Zelenskyy backs Trump’s tariffs on countries trading with Russia

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported US President Donald Trump’s actions on countries that trade with Russia, calling it a “right idea”.The remarks were made in response to a question about the sanctions on Russia and the SCO Summit, where leaders from India, China, and Russia met last week. Zelenskyy said that it is right to impose tariffs on countries that deal with Russia.

“I think the idea to put tariffs on countries that are continuing to make deals with Russia… I think this is the right idea,” Zelenskyy told ABC News in an interview that aired on Sunday, September 7.

Zelenskyy further stated that he thinks President Trump wants to end the Russia-Ukraine war. This comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and India over tariffs and continued oil trade between Russia and India.The US administration has said that India is helping Russia to sustain the war against Ukraine. At the same time, India has reasoned that the oil purchases have been driven by economic needs and market conditions.

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Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on imports from India, and Brazil, citing their alignment in the BRICS bloc. However, there is a pause on the reciprocal tariffs to be imposed on China.

Meanwhile, after hurling several allegations against India, Trump recently said that he has good relations with PM Modi, who then reciprocated the remarks, stating that India and the US share a special and strategic partnership. The remarks hinted at fresh talks between the two leaders, signalling a change in the dynamics between the two countries.

The US is also planning to impose additional economic sanctions on Russia. President Trump on Sunday, September 7, said that he is ready to expand the sanctions against Russia.

The European Union leaders and Trump are expected to hold meetings this week to discuss the actions against Russia, as one of its largest attacks on Ukraine damaged a government building and killed many.

Trump has been trying to negotiate a peace agreement between Zelensky and Putin to end the conflict. However, he has not been able to achieve a positive result as of yet. Trump and Putin met in Alaska on August 15 to discuss the peace efforts. While both leaders hailed the meeting as constructive, nothing substantial came out of it.

Ukraine has strictly rejected any idea of surrendering its territory to Russia as a condition to enforce peace in the region.

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