Fri Aug 15 17:41:04 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

On India’s Independence Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to India to play a role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This appeal coincides with a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, where potential “land swaps” are being discussed. Ukraine is concerned about the outcome of these talks and seeks India’s support for a resolution that preserves its sovereignty. The article notes a shift in Zelenskyy’s messaging, as he did not mention India’s continued purchase of Russian oil in his message, despite previously raising this issue with Prime Minister Modi. India hopes for a Trump-Putin agreement that could lead to a ceasefire and a rollback of U.S. penalty tariffs on Indian goods. Zelenskyy also expressed his hope to meet with Modi at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly.

**News Article:**

**Zelenskyy Appeals to India for Help in Resolving Ukraine-Russia Conflict Amid Trump-Putin Talks**

**NEW DELHI, August 15, 2025** – On India’s Independence Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a direct appeal to India to mediate a resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia. The call comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump met in Alaska to discuss the situation, raising concerns in Kyiv about potential compromises involving Ukrainian territory.

In a message posted earlier today, Zelenskyy congratulated India on its Independence Day and highlighted the shared values of freedom, dignity, and the pursuit of peace. “We hope that India will contribute to efforts aimed at ending the war, so that our freedom and sovereignty are truly secure,” he stated. The appeal follows a phone conversation between Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 11.

Ukraine is wary of the Trump-Putin talks, with Trump having suggested possible “land swaps” as part of a ceasefire agreement. This has fueled anxiety in Kyiv, which insists on a resolution that doesn’t cede any territory to Russia.

Notably, Zelenskyy’s message omitted any mention of India’s continued imports of Russian oil, a previous point of contention between the two nations. India has significantly increased its intake of Russian energy in recent years, a move that has drawn criticism from Ukraine and the U.S.

New Delhi is cautiously optimistic that the Trump-Putin summit could pave the way for Ukraine-Russia negotiations and potentially lead to the removal of 25% penalty tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Indian goods, scheduled to take effect on August 27.

Zelenskyy expressed his desire to meet with Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly next month to further discuss the situation. The appeal puts increased pressure on India to play a more active role in international diplomacy regarding the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

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