Wed Sep 24 08:59:20 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes India is largely supportive of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and encourages continued Western engagement with India. He also noted a shift in former US President Donald Trump’s assessment of the war, expressing optimism about Ukraine’s chances of reclaiming lost territory with NATO support. Finnish President Alexander Stubb echoed this sentiment, calling India a close ally of the EU and US and urging stronger ties. Trump, despite imposing tariffs on Indian goods due to its trade with Russia, has also increased pressure on Europe to cut off energy trade with Russia. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen stated Europe is reducing its reliance on Russian energy.
**News Article:**
**Zelenskyy Sees India “Mostly” on Ukraine’s Side, Urges Western Engagement**
**New York, September 24, 2025:** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed confidence in India’s support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia, stating that India is “mostly with us.” Speaking to Fox News on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Zelenskyy urged Western nations to strengthen their relationships with India.
“I think India is mostly with us,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he was sure India would change its mind towards the Russian energy sector.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb echoed this sentiment, calling India a “very close ally” of the EU and the U.S. and an “emerging superpower” in a recent interview. Stubb has been advocating for closer Western engagement with India.
Zelenskyy also noted a shift in former US President Donald Trump’s assessment of the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump, who recently met with Zelenskyy, has expressed qualified optimism about Ukraine’s prospects, stating that Ukraine could potentially reclaim all its territory with NATO’s help. Zelenskyy characterized the current positions of the U.S. and Ukrainian teams as “closer than any time previously.”
However, Trump has also imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s continued oil and arms trade with Russia. Simultaneously, Trump has intensified pressure on European nations to cease all energy trade with Russia. In response, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen stated that Europe is actively reducing its reliance on Russian energy products, with the EU considering tariffs on oil supplies still entering the region.
The statements reflect a complex geopolitical landscape, with Ukraine actively seeking broader international support as it navigates the conflict with Russia.
First Piper 