‘Russian crude oil has Ukrainian blood in it’

Ukraine expected more practical support from India, said Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba

Ukraine expected “more practical support” from India as it fights Russia’s military, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference that was held virtually, Mr. Kuleba argued that Ukraine has been a reliable partner of India but by purchasing crude oil from Russia, India is in effect buying Ukrainian blood.The strong remarks indicate a hardening of Ukrainian position as India continues to purchase Russia’s Ural crude to stabilise energy supply for its economy.

“When India purchases Russian crude oil [at a discount], they have to understand that the discount has to be paid by Ukrainian blood. Every barrel of Russian crude that India gets, has a good portion of Ukrainian blood in it. We are friendly and open to India. I supported in evacuation of Indian students. We expected more practical support from India to Ukraine,” Mr. Kuleba said in response to a question from The Hindu .

He referred to India and Ukraine as two democracies that have essential similarities and that “two democracies have to stand by each other”.

Earlier, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had said that oil and gas prices are “unreasonably high” and pointed out that the traditional energy suppliers of Asia are “diverting” to Europe to deal with a situation where every country will try to address the high energy prices that have become a global challenge in the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. “We are not doing it in a defensive way. We have been very open and honest about our interest. I have a country with a per capita income of $2,000. These are not people who can afford higher energy prices. It is my obligation...moral duty to actually get them the best deal that I can get from the world.”