'Right idea': Zelensky backs US tariffs over deals with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky backed US tariffs on countries that continue to do business with Russia as he addressed questions, without directly naming India, on New Delhi's engagements with Moscow amid indications that the US and European Union are moving to expand sanctions on Russia.

- Shashank Mattoo

"I think the idea to put tariffs on the country who are continuing to make deals with Russia is the right idea," said Zelensky in an interview with ABC News.

The Ukrainian President was asked about his views on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where he was pictured alongside the leaders of China and Russia.

Zelensky also said on Sunday he was counting on a strong US response to the latest massive Russian barrage on Ukraine, its largest ever. Four people were killed Sunday and buildings were set ablaze in a government complex housing Ukraine's cabinet of ministers in what officials labelled the biggest aerial assault so far of the three-and-a-halfyear conflict.