The Ukrainian leader told Fox News that the West needs to build closer ties with New Delhi

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has claimed that he is sure that India will change its attitude towards purchasing Russian energy and that New Delhi is "mostly" on Kiev's side.

In an interview with Fox News' Brett Baier on Tuesday, Zelensky also warned the US against withdrawing from dialogue with India.

"I think India (is) mostly with us," he said. "Yes, we have these questions with energy but I think President Trump can manage it."

Zelensky's comments come close on the heels of US President Donald TrumpaccusingIndia and China of "funding" the Ukraine conflict through Russian energy imports, in a speech at the UN General Assembly in New York.

New Delhi is yet to officially comment on Zelensky's claims but has consistently maintained that importing Russian oil was in its best interests.

The Ukrainian leader acknowledged that China currently has no interest in taking a stance against Russia. He claimed that the US President has the ability to influence his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, and change his stance on the war.

He also noted that Iran is unlikely to side with Ukraine, given its adversarial relationship with the US.

Zelensky claimed earlier in September that Trump's decision to impose 25% penal tariffs on India for buyingRussian oilwas the "right" thing to do and "additional pressure" was needed on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this month, Trump called on Brussels to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from India and China. However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pushed back, stating that Brussels would make its own decisions.

"With the Europeans, make closer and stronger relations with India, and I think we have to do everything not to withdraw Indians and they will change their attitude to (the) Russian energy sector, I am sure," Zelensky said.

(RT.com)