Ukrainian President Zelensky’s sentiments of being sidelined arise as he perceives a disparity in the level of assistance provided by the West to Israel compared to his own country. The recent intervention in the Middle East, he argues, underscores the potency of collective action in combating terrorism.
Following the joint intervention by Western powers to safeguard Israel, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has called for equivalent support for his nation. Zelensky noted that Israel, the USA, Great Britain, France, and Jordan collaborated in countering Iranian missile and drone attacks on Sunday night, describing their efforts as being conducted “with maximum effectiveness” during his Monday evening video address.
“The world has witnessed through the actions of our allies in the skies over Israel and neighboring countries the efficacy of unity in defense against terrorism when underpinned by adequate political will,” remarked Zelensky.
“Together, they have thwarted the ascendancy of terrorism,” Zelensky added, emphasizing the collective endeavor to prevent further escalation, with assistance from other nations.
Israel’s non-membership in NATO rendered the activation of Article 5 unnecessary, which mandates mutual assistance in case of attack. Zelensky clarified, “No one was coerced into war; they simply contributed to safeguarding lives.”
Iran’s use of Shahed combat drones in its attack on Israel, also employed by the Russian military against targets in Ukraine, draws parallels in Zelensky’s view. “Shaheds in the skies over Ukraine resonate similarly to those over the Middle East,” he noted.
Zelensky contends that European airspace could have long been fortified if Ukraine had received analogous comprehensive support from its partners in neutralizing drone and missile threats.
By defending Israel, Zelensky asserts, the free world has demonstrated that unity is not only feasible but also entirely efficacious. “The resolute actions of our allies thwarted the success of terrorism, infrastructure loss, and compelled the aggressor to temper its actions,” Zelensky conveyed via Telegram after a meeting of the Stavka, the high command of the Ukrainian armed forces on Monday.
In pursuit of comparable protection for Ukraine, Zelensky stresses that Article 5 is unnecessary, advocating instead for political will, which Kiev aims to discuss with its partners.
Former Green politician Ralf Fücks, now heading the think tank Zentrum Liberale Moderne, urges the West to emulate its support for Israel by providing Ukraine with modern air defense systems and fighter jets. Fücks also argues that employing Western fighter jets aligns with international law.
“The closure of airspace – a fundamental demand of Ukraine since the outset of the war – has consistently been rejected by the USA and its European partners due to concerns over direct involvement in the conflict,” Fücks told Stern magazine, emphasizing the legality of such actions under international law.
