Zelensky Castigates Israel for Failing to Support Ukraine – Kyiv Post

President Volodymyr Zelensky lamented on Friday, Sep.23, the lack of aid from Israel during  Russia’s war against his country.

The head of state, who is of Jewish origin, noted that at the same time Israel exports weapons to other countries.

“I’m shocked. I don’t understand. Israel gave us nothing, zero. I understand that they must protect their land, but I received information that Israel exports its weapons to other countries,” the Ukrainian president said.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine urgently needs air defense systems.

“Why not give us air defense?”,- he asked.

The president noted that he does not blame Israel’s leaders butsimply statIng the facts. Zelensky is confident that the people of Israel support Ukraine.

At the same time, the Ukrainian leader presumes Israel might be influenced by Russia.

“There were discussions with the Israeli leadership, which did not help Ukraine. You can see the influence of Russia on Israel. I consider Israel as an independent state,” Zelensky added.

Observers have noted that Israel has been reluctant to sell advanced weapons to Kyiv because such deliveries might harm Jerusalem’s diplomatic relations with Moscow.

Despite tensions, Israel is trying to preserve its ties with Russia, particularly in light of Russia’s military presence in Syria, where the Israeli air force regularly strikes targets linked to Iran.