from al jazeera's live coverage (14 apr 2024)
Zeenskyy condemns Iranian attack, says Ukraine needs help, like Israel
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated in a post on X 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”.
Speaking later in his nightly video address, the Ukrainian president 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 said.
Ukraine’s skies, he added, were “not protected by rhetoric”.
Zelenskyy has urged Ukraine’s Western allies, particularly the United States, for months to summon the “political will” to provide Ukraine with sufficient air defences and weaponry.
In September 2022, Zelenskyy said he was “in shock” at Israel’s failure to give Kyiv anti-missile systems to help counter Russian attacks.
The Ukrainian government has been a strong supporter of Israel during its war in Gaza, despite many critics pointing to what they perceive to be the hypocrisy of decrying Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory while supporting Israel as it occupies Palestinian territory.
the biggest union in norway (removedforbundet) is also very pro-palestine, and they have close ties to the governing labour party