Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his frustration and frustration with Russia’s perceived Israeli neutrality in the ongoing war against Ukraine, arguing that Jerusalem will supply the country with advanced communication systems. He told Israeli television that he suggested a possible change of stance after finally agreeing to do so.
In a long and wide-ranging interview with Israeli investigative program Uvda aired in Israel on Monday night, Zelensky said he could not “understand” Israel’s position or its refusal to supply Ukraine with air defense systems. said. requests for such weapons with various Israeli prime ministers over the past eight months.
The Ukrainian leader said the radio system was the first thing he requested from Israel when the war began in late February. [high] A high-quality radio system” was followed by a demand for anti-aircraft defense weapons such as the Iron Dome. His latest appeal was against Israeli-developed drones. After Russia began using Iranian-made suicide drones across Ukraine, it had devastating effect.
Zelensky said he had even tried to enlist Washington’s help to pressure Israel into providing military aid to Ukraine, although he did not go into details.
“Yes, I asked,” Zelensky said to hosts Ilana Dayan and Itay Angel in response to a question about whether he had asked the United States to lobby Israel on behalf of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president told ‘Uvda’ that it was only recently that Israel agreed to provide the requested radio system, but no further details are available.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks with Israeli investigative journalists Ilana Dayan and Itai Anghel in an interview aired October 31, 2022 in Kyiv. (Yaniv Shabtay, Ronen Mayo – Uvda)
When the Iron Dome system emerged, Zelensky said not even Israeli leaders were open to such discussions. “I had already spoken to three Israeli prime ministers,” he said, suggesting that he had also raised the issue before Russia invaded Israel earlier this year. I don’t understand … I held meetings and asked many times for each to help us, not just give money or troops. [It means] It’s about choosing the right side,” Zelensky said.
While providing humanitarian aid, Israel has a strict no military aid to Ukraine, including systems to help intercept Russian missile and drone attacks since Russian forces invaded on February 24. I have maintained my policy.
The reasoning behind the decision appears to be Israel’s strategic need to maintain its freedom to operate in Syria. is doing. Israeli officials have also expressed concern that advanced military technology could fall into enemy hands, citing production and supply restrictions.
But Israel has expressed growing concerns about military cooperation between Russia and Iran, with Prime Minister Yair Lapid telling Ukraine’s foreign minister earlier this month that “the whole world is at risk”.
In an interview on Monday, Zelensky suggested that Russia’s recent use of Iranian weapons in an attack on Ukraine could be the push Israel needs.
“We are fighting the enemy [a] A new big coalition, Russia and Iran, and now I hope Israel will help us.[ly] We will respond to this,” he said, adding that Russia had acquired about 1,500 Iranian attack drones, according to sources in Ukraine and other countries.
“Maybe let’s figure out together how many they can use, not just Ukraine…” Zelensky said, pointing to the broader threat posed by Russia and Iran.
Drones fly over Kyiv during the Russian invasion of Ukraine on October 17, 2022 (Sergei Supinsky/AFP)
Speaking to interviewers in English, Zelensky said it was the first interview with a foreign outlet where the Ukrainian leader did not speak Ukrainian, according to the show.
“We are fighting Iran every day, 400 attacks of Iranian drones on our people, civilians and infrastructure. ” said … Air defense can face this evil. Israel’s military infrastructure and agencies also have drones that can help us in this attack and this war,” Zelensky said.
In an interview, the Ukrainian president could not directly answer questions about whether Israel should be considered a “partner” like the United States and Britain, instead saying it was a “tough question”.
“It’s a pity we don’t have a relationship [during this war] I can talk everyday like I have with Poland and England [them] They may help you solve the problem and say “Let’s talk”.I don’t understand why this relationship doesn’t work [with Israel],” He said.
Last week, Ukrainian leaders noted a “positive trend” in Kyiv-Israel relations after the two countries shared information about Russia’s use of Iranian drones.
Ukraine does not need mediators
In an interview with Ubuda, Zelensky said that Ukraine “does not need an intermediary, it needs a partner and a friend.”
“Russians don’t need mediators, they want someone to mediate [buy] Time and I think they saw something like that in Bennett [a person]they used him [to buy time]He wanted to make peace to stop wars, but he couldn’t. He gave some medical equipment. [field] Zelensky expressed his gratitude and described Bennett as “young” and “full of energy”.
He also admitted that Bennett and other officials were “mad at me” [criticizing Israel] publicly. ”
Then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on June 19, 2022. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP)
Zelensky asked if Ukraine could be better served if Kyiv officials used a quieter approach to Israel instead of criticizing the country for lack of sufficient support said there are many avenues for dialogue with Israel. ’ But none of them were successful.
The Ukrainian president said Ukraine needed “a different kind of help” and called for Israel’s clarification. Kudos to Israel, but you have to choose. We cannot be mediators in this war. ”
Unlike countries that were neutral or reluctant to respond to the rise of fascism in Europe before World War II, “Israel [among] “These are countries that will not look to the next wave of Nazism born this year.”
confront
Zelensky said he understands that Israel has to think about its own security and interests, but that the issue is more “about attitudes towards Israel.” [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, to his policies. ”
Pressured by Dayan, Zelensky admitted that Israel’s actions may have been partially driven by fear of Russia and its president.
Still, he said he remained confused. Zelensky, who knew the war and the costly fight for independence, repeatedly said in interviews that Israel could take a clearer stance amid Russia’s ongoing aggression and stand firm in Ukraine’s corner. He said he didn’t understand why he couldn’t.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) and Israeli investigative journalists Ilana Dayan (right) and Itai Angel (middle) in an interview aired October 31, 2022.
“I don’t understand Israel. I think the government and society must become like one organism. [the] Society supports Ukraine’s fight for freedom and independence, but I don’t understand why it holds a different opinion in political circles.
“I know Israel.[is], the people of your country know a lot about war and have seen a lot of bad things. We understand and feel the tragedy experienced by the Israelis. I know history… I have been in Israel many times. I had many relatives,” he said.
just a moment
In the early hours of February 24, when Russian tanks and troops were entering Ukraine, Zelensky said it crossed his mind that it might be the end of his country.
“They came to Kyiv for just a moment and everyone was talking… [40-mile long Russian] Convoy. “
The first call Zelensky received was from US President Joe Biden, [a] Partner. Biden has offered to help Zelensky and his family flee Ukraine amid threats of assassination by Russia. The Ukrainian president famously replied that he needed ammunition “not vehicles.”
Zelensky said Ukraine “already won the war”.
“Now only the world can lose this war and lose Ukraine.”
If Russia threatens to use nuclear weapons, he said, “It would be a loss for the world that Russia did not use nuclear weapons. [Putin] A strong, direct and direct message. A loss for a country that wanted to be a mediator.
“I will not compromise with terrorists,” Zelensky said, borrowing the US stance, in response to a question about compromising with Russia.
“If we don’t stay here, you’re going to see another war. If we don’t get stronger, the world will be embroiled in World War III,” he warned.
