Zelenskyy condemns Iranian attack on Israel

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised Iran’s attack on Israel, saying that it could threaten the entire region and the world.

He wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that “Iran’s actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia’s actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world.”

Later in his nightly video address, he said the world had seen that “Israel was not alone in its defence – the threats in the sky were also destroyed by its allies.

“And when Ukraine says allies cannot turn a blind eye to Russian missiles and drones, it means that it is necessary to act and act strongly.”

Zelenskyy has pleaded with Ukraine’s Western allies, particularly the United States, for months to summon the “political will” to provide the country with sufficient air defences and weaponry.

Zelenskyy, in September 2022, said he was “in shock” at Israel’s failure to give Kyiv anti-missile systems to counter Russian attacks.

The Ukrainian government has been an unrepentant backer of Israel during its war in Gaza, even when many critics pointed to what they perceive to be the hypocrisy of decrying Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory while backing Israel as it occupies Palestinian territory.