JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with the leaders of India and Saudi Arabia on Monday, in an effort to mobilize support for Kyiv outside Europe ahead of this week's planned meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy secured diplomatic support from Europe and the NATO alliance amid concerns that US and Russian leaders might try to dictate terms to end the 3.5-year-old war.
In separate statements on Monday, August 11, Zelenskyy said he had spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Both have taken a cautious diplomatic stance regarding Russia's invasion of their neighboring country.
India is a major buyer of Russian oil, and Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict.
Zelenskyy said he spoke with both leaders about strengthening Ukraine's position in any peace process.
"Communications with the leaders are going on almost around the clock – we are in constant communication," he wrote in X.
"Now is the time when there is a real opportunity to achieve peace," Zelenskyy continued, as reported by Reuters.
In a lengthy conversation with Modi, Zelenskyy explained that he also discussed sanctions on Russian oil.
Trump last week imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, arguing that New Delhi continues to import those products.
"I noted that it is necessary to limit Russia's energy exports, in particular oil, in order to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war," he said.
The Ukrainian president said leaders with "real influence on Russia" must act.
Putin has also made a series of phone calls in recent days, speaking with the leaders of China, India, Brazil, and three former Soviet republics to brief them on his contacts with the United States regarding the war in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Germany will host a virtual meeting of European leaders to discuss how to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine ahead of the European phone call with Trump.
Zelenskyy and EU and NATO officials are expected to attend the meeting.
The Ukrainian president previously warned that any concessions to Russia would not convince him to stop fighting in Ukraine. Pressure on the Kremlin needs to be increased, Zelenskyy said.
"Russia refuses to stop the killing, and therefore should not accept any rewards or benefits," he wrote in X.
"Concessions do not convince a killer," he stressed.
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