'Losses must be felt': Zelenskyy backs Trump tariffs on nations supporting Russia; message for India?

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday justified tariffs imposed by US on countries who support Russia through trade amid the ongoing war.

Without taking name of any country, Zelenskyy said that statement by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions.


"That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions – sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia," Zelenskyy said.

"Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing," he added.

Zelenskyy also claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want negotiations and Russia's fuel shortage is a "logical response."

"Putin does not want negotiations, he is clearly hiding from them, so Russia’s fuel shortages and other economic troubles are the logical response to its refusal to agree to a ceasefire or a meeting at the leaders’ level," he said.

'Putin is testing the world': Zelenskyy calls for Russia sanctions after massive attack on Ukraine; European leaders to meet in US this week

"This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world – whether they will accept or tolerate this," he added.

Additionally, while talking to news outlet ABC, the Ukraine President reiterated that imposing tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is "the right idea."

"I think the idea to put tariffs on the country...continuing to make deals with Russia is the right idea,” Zelensky said.

Zelenskyy's remarks came after the overnight assault that led into Sunday, involved more than 800 drones and 13 missiles, including four ballistic, according to Ukrainian officials. For the first time, the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv was directly hit, with a fire breaking out on its upper floors. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed the damage, saying: “For the first time, the Government building, its roof, and upper floors were damaged by the enemy attacks. Rescuers are extinguishing the fire. I thank them for their work.”

The Trump administration, earlier this month, ramped up attacks on India for buying Russian oil, with Navarro characterizing the Russia-Ukraine conflict as "Modi's war," and cautioning New Delhi about getting close to Beijing and Moscow.

"India, you're the biggest democracy in the world, okay? Act like one... side with the democracies. (Instead) you're getting in bed with the authoritarians," Navarro had said, just hours after 50% tariffs on India went into effect.

Trump has imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India and an additional 25 per cent for Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.

India has termed the tariffs imposed on it as “unjustified and unreasonable.”

“Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” India has said.