Zelensky – comedian and a Western mouthpiece

In his statement on 15 April 2024 about Iran’s drone and missile attack, Ukraine’s incumbent president failed to address Israel’s earlier attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria. If anybody, Zelensky should understand what retaliatory measures mean as Ukraine enters its third year of war with its neighbor, Russia.

It must be frustrating when NATO rallies to help its long-time friend Israel but does little to safeguard the skies over Ukraine. Even though, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s statements, Ukraine is shortlisted as a future NATO member, it still has a long way to go. Zelensky must still learn how geopolitics works and what is required to gain a seat in the U.S.-led inner circle of the Western coalition.

Zelensky’s political views and comments show his immaturity as a politician—his naïve attitude might cause Ukraine to lose sovereignty. It takes more than just a few money-collection trips, speeches, and meetings with Western politicians to earn their trust and a place at the Round Table.

Ukraine is currently ranked as the most corrupt country in Europe, hindering its economic growth. While efforts to eradicate corruption are underway, significant steps will be required. The Ukrainian people must rise and face reality. While support from the West is helpful, lasting change can only come from within through collaboration at all levels of society.

Zelensky’s comment on ‘European skies and the protection’ is confusing.

The European Union member states have implemented extensive defensive agreements to safeguard the airspace over Europe. In addition, various strategies and initiatives are in place to ensure safety and efficiency in the European skies. It is perplexing that Zelensky believes that the EU member states have not provided adequate protection to the airspace over Europe.

Once again, Zelensky lacks an understanding of international cooperation and military strategies. Ukraine is not a member of the EU, so it does not enjoy the same benefits as the member states. Providing aircover requires significantly more effort and planning than flying around and shooting down drones and missiles, especially when the sky belongs to a non-EU member.

There is also a question regarding NATO and its principles. While an article exists that calls for a collective response from NATO members in the event of an attack on any member state, it does not automatically initiate a massive reaction. Approval from the governments of each member state is required before implementation. Even with approval, NATO will carefully evaluate the appropriate action to take.

With the mentioned strategies, initiatives, and principles, Zelensky mistakenly thinks Ukraine is privileged to enjoy the same benefits as NATO and EU members.

Collaboration comes with a price tag.

Israel requires partnership with its Western allies to protect Israel’s territory from further attacks. However, using the term ‘Maximum efficiency’ is hardly close to being foolproof. Even with the ally’s best efforts, some of Iran’s missiles were still able to penetrate Israel’s defense and hit the strategic targets deep in Israel’s territory. The illusion that Israel’s ‘iron dome’ is impenetrable has once again experienced a setback.

The Western coalition has set its eyes on protecting its long-time ally. In the long term, this also means investing in their defensive capabilities. Can they provide long-term military aid to Ukraine while preparing for retaliation from adversaries? Securing the continuous arms supply from the West is in jeopardy as other conflicts arise and need the coalition’s attention.

The war on terror and escalation of local conflict.

It is interesting how Zelensky refers to Iran’s retaliation as an act of terror. Has Ukraine’s president forgotten how Israel’s bombing campaign is targeting innocent civilians, killing thousands? Iran acting in self-defense and protecting its territorial integrity against bombing one of its embassies in Syria can hardly be called an act of terror.

Israel’s military operation in Gaza, supported by the coalition, has led to numerous human rights violations and the deaths of thousands of civilians. In addition, Israel has violated international law by bombing the embassy of a foreign sovereign country.

Zelensky’s statement aligns Ukraine more firmly with Western ideology, which may limit future options in international relations. One-sided favoritism and accusations put Ukraine at a disadvantage in terms of economic collaboration.

 

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