Days before Donald Trump’s August 15 meeting with Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a direct appeal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi — Russia’s close ally — for support. The two discussed Ukraine’s peace plan, Russian strikes on civilians, and the need to curb Moscow’s oil exports. Modi reaffirmed India’s call for a peaceful resolution, even as Trump’s new 50% tariff on Indian goods threatens Delhi’s trade. With Modi also in talks with Putin, the diplomatic chessboard is shifting fast — and Ukraine’s future could hinge on unlikely alliances.