Kiev (dpa) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made critical comments about India's business with Russia. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is using money from oil and gas sales to finance a war of aggression against Ukraine, Zelensky said in an interview with Indian journalists. “He stole billions of dollars from his people,” Zelensky said of Putin. Russians are getting poorer, but they don't realize it because Putin controls the media and all social networks.

At the same time, Zelensky suggested that the next Ukrainian peace summit might be held in India. Kiev is currently negotiating this with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. India took part in the first peace summit in Switzerland in June, but did not sign the final document. The conference was meant to kick-start a peace process that would one day involve Russia.

Zelensky further said that Putin’s war economy is financed by billions of dollars coming from India, China and Arab countries. But Kiev cannot put pressure on New Delhi. “You are an independent country, this is your government,” he told Indian reporters. But he asked them to “think” about what can be done to stop the flow of money supporting the Russian armed forces.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kiev a few days ago and offered his help to end the war. But he did not provide any concrete suggestions. However, the visit marks a rapprochement after Ukraine became suspicious of India's close ties with Russia. However, Kiev expects support from India as it is an important voice in global politics.

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