Right idea: Zelenskyy favours tough tariffs on nations trading with Moscow

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday endorsed the idea of imposing tariffs on countries that continue economic engagement with Russia, arguing that it was an effective way to respond to Moscow's ongoing aggression.

In an interview with ABC News, Zelenskyy said sanctions had not backfired despite Russia's continued strikes. "The idea to put tariffs on the countries who continue (to) make deals with Russia, I think this is a right idea," he said.

His remarks came after reference to the recent SCO summit in China, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met, underscoring their growing economic ties despite Western restrictions.

Zelenskyy also dismissed Putin's invitation for talks in Moscow, saying he could not travel to "the capital of a terrorist" while his country was under daily missile attacks. Instead, he suggested Putin come to Kyiv if he truly wanted dialogue.

Accusing the Kremlin of "playing games" with Washington to delay negotiations, Zelenskyy urged stronger international measures.