India Signals Shift from Russian Oil, Trump Says — Ukraine War Update
Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to ending India’s purchase of Russian oil — “that’s a big step,” Trump told reporters at the White House. He acknowledged, however, it would not be instantaneous: “a little bit of a process, but that process will be over soon.”
Trump further commented that once India follows through, the U.S. would pressure China to do the same. Meanwhile, India’s embassy in Washington had not confirmed whether Modi had indeed given such a guarantee.
Shift in India’s Energy Calculus
Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India imported less than 1% of its oil from Russia. In recent months, that figure jumped to around 40%, largely driven by deep discounts Russia offered under Western sanctions. Trump has cited this as justification for imposing tariffs on Indian exports, citing that the revenue India sends to Russia helps fuel the war in Ukraine.
Trump’s remarks suggest a diplomatic thrust to isolate Russia further, especially if major importers like India and potentially China can be convinced to divest from Russian oil.
NATO and EU Responses
On the European front, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed efforts to bolster protection against aerial threats, including enhanced drone detection systems. Some EU members are advocating the creation of a “drone wall” to defend against incursions.
Meanwhile, the EU is pushing the G7 to explore leveraging frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine—without outright seizure. The proposed plan involves borrowing via Euroclear in Belgium and loaning to Ukraine, with the expectation that Russia will repay as part of postwar reparations.
The Czech Republic has committed to supplying 3.7 million artillery rounds (1.3 million already delivered), while Germany announced $500 million in contributions under the Purl weapons initiative.
On-the-Ground Developments in Ukraine
Russian drone strikes continue to target infrastructure in Ukraine. One person was injured in Chernihiv’s Nizhyn district, while attacks also struck a power plant and gas facilities in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions. The damage forced emergency power cuts across much of Ukraine, as the country’s grid struggles under attack.
In legal news, Italy’s top court blocked the extradition of a Ukrainian man accused of collaborating in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline attacks, citing procedural errors.
What to Watch
- Will India officially confirm the cease of Russian oil imports, and on what timeline?
- How will China respond to diplomatic pressure?
- Will the EU’s plan to mobilize frozen Russian assets gain traction among G7 nations?
- Can Ukraine’s energy grid hold up amid sustained Russian strikes?
