Unveiling the Power Struggle: Impact of the Latest Conflict on Zelensky's Leadership

Frida Ghitis, a former CNN producer and correspondent, is a world affairs columnist. She regularly contributes opinions to CNN, The Washington Post, and World Politics Review. Her views expressed in this commentary are solely her own. For more opinions on CNN, please visit their website.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky promptly expressed his strong support for Israel and condemned Hamas without hesitation, shortly after the terrorist group initiated a vicious attack on Israeli civilians.

Frida Ghitis

"Terror is a crime that goes beyond targeting a country or specific individuals; it is an assault on humanity as a whole," expressed Zelensky. He emphasized the indisputable right of Israel to defend itself and called upon the global community to unite in the fight against terrorism.

A few days later, while speaking to NATOs parliamentary assembly, where Ukraine had been a topic of concern since Russia's invasion 600 days ago, Zelensky acknowledged the unavoidable new reality that his country was facing. He emphasized that currently, their attention is concentrated on the Middle East, stating through a video link, "We must never forget the atrocities committed by terrorists in Israel."

Despite his often strained relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Zelensky has unwaveringly supported Israel. He consistently draws parallels between the actions of Hamas towards Israel and Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, highlighting the indiscriminate killing of Ukrainian civilians. Zelensky has even encouraged NATO leaders to demonstrate their backing by visiting Israel. While upholding his principles, Zelensky, along with the Ukrainian people, fervently hopes that the recent security crisis in the Middle East, which has sparked a new war, will not further impede Ukraine's efforts to resist Russia's invasion and Putin's attempt to deny Ukraine's sovereignty.

An Israeli soldier walks by a house destroyed by Hamas militants in Kibbutz Be'eri on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.

Baz Ratner/AP

Opinion: What the war is revealing

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, commencing on October 7 (which coincided with Putin's birthday), appears to be a favorable turn of events for the Russian autocrat, and prominent Russians are openly expressing their satisfaction with it.

In the last few years, Putin has actively cultivated relations with Hamas, referring to it as a demonstration of the shortcomings in United States policy in the Middle East. Russian television shows have been mocking the US and Israel, while a senior Russian diplomat proudly asserted the advantages that Russia would gain from this conflict.

During discussions with leaders from the region, Putin expressed concern about the significant rise in civilian casualties caused by his forces' attacks in Ukraine. Diplomat Konstantin Gavrilov, in an interview with Izevestia newspaper, stated that the crisis would directly affect Putin's "special military operation" against Ukraine. Gavrilov predicted that the conflict in Israel would divert attention and resources from Ukraine, leading to a decrease in military aid. Consequently, he believed that this could potentially shift the course of the operation in favor of Russia.

US officials have made it clear that their support for Ukraine will not be compromised as they also prioritize providing assistance to Israel. President Joe Biden emphasizes the significance of both conflicts for US security, while US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reassures NATO defense ministers that the US will stand with Israel while also standing with Ukraine.

In this 2017 photo, Palestinian Hamas militants are seen during a military show in the Bani Suheila district in Gaza City, Gaza.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images/File

Result: The analyst highlights Israel's costly misinterpretation of Hamas' true goals. However, the current disorder in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives adds complexity to budget allocations, and Republican members, despite their strong support for Israel, have conflicting views regarding aid for Ukraine.

Another source of satisfaction for Putin and a cause of concern for Zelensky is the readiness of Ukraine's forces for winter combat and the anticipation of another winter of Russian attacks on civilians.

The apparent advantages for Russia resulting from the Hamas attacks on Israel are so clear that some speculate Moscow played a role. This speculation is based on Russia's strong ties with Iran, the principal sponsor of Hamas, as well as the numerous visits by top Hamas officials to Moscow since 2020. It is worth noting that the attack coincided with Putin's birthday, the same day when Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, one of Putin's prominent critics, was assassinated in 2006. Some suggest that this was a "birthday gift" to Putin, although the Kremlin denies any involvement.

Israel's ambassador to Moscow dismissed the notion of Russian involvement, labeling it as unfounded. Alexander Ben Zvi, the ambassador, referred to the suggestion as baseless.

During the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a Hamas representative appeared on Russian television. The representative, Ali Baraka, acknowledged Russia's support and mentioned their mutually advantageous relationship. Baraka stated that Russia was pleased with the involvement of the United States in the Palestine war, as it relieved pressure on Russia in Ukraine. He also expressed their gratitude for not standing alone on the battlefield.

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On October 14, 2023, residents of Gaza City in Palestine are surveying the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes. In response to warnings from the Israeli government, many Gazans have fled to the south. The Israeli military has closed off Gaza and initiated relentless retaliatory air strikes, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,400 individuals and displacement of over 300,000 people. This reprisal comes after a significant assault by the Hamas group. On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, utilizing land, sea, and air resources, resulting in the loss of over 1,300 lives and leaving approximately 2,800 injured. Notably, Hamas has also taken Israeli soldiers and civilians hostage, relocating them to Gaza. In light of these events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war and announced the establishment of an emergency wartime government. (Photo by Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images)

Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images

Opinion: Netanyahu needs an end-game

The individuals responsible for training, planning, and executing the Hamas attack in Israel, which resulted in the deaths of both Ukrainian and Russian citizens, undoubtedly contribute to the escalating tensions in the Middle East. These tensions strongly benefit Moscow's campaign against Ukraine in the short term and present significant challenges for Kyiv.

Following the attack, Zelensky asserted that Russia holds an interest in instigating war in the Middle East. Their aim is to create a new source of pain and suffering that undermines global unity, increases discord and contradictions, and ultimately aids Russia in destroying freedom in Europe.

NATO has thus far demonstrated unwavering support for Israel. However, there is a concern that if Israel's response to terrorism continues to provoke counter-reactions, it could fuel anti-Israel sentiment and potentially benefit Russia if public opinion in NATO-member countries turns against Israel. This could lead to internal divisions within NATO and undermine its unity.

Ukraine has received strong support from the West, with a unified belief that Russia initiated an unlawful war of conquest that goes against established international norms and laws.

To ensure Ukraine's salvation and overcome Russia, Zelensky heavily relies on ongoing support, particularly from the United States, which possesses the world's largest and strongest military resources.

However, the crucial concern is whether this arsenal, along with the reservoir of support for Ukraine, can endure the challenges posed not only by the internal dysfunction within the Republican Party but also the United States' deep commitment to backing Israel, its most vital ally in the exceedingly unpredictable Middle East, which is regarded as the world's most volatile region.

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These two conflicts, involving Russia and Ukraine, as well as Israel and Hamas, are profoundly distinct. The circumstances surrounding each war, as well as the individuals involved, are starkly dissimilar. However, it is noteworthy that, in both instances, the aggressor shamelessly targeted innocent civilians, contradicting the principles of war laws and attacking nations that, despite their imperfections, embrace democracy.

Hamas and Russia, both led by autocratic rulers, disregard the right of their adversaries to inhabit an autonomous nation. Furthermore, these two factions align themselves with authoritarian Iran, and have gained dominance by dismantling any semblance of democracy within their own borders, even resorting to violence against their internal opponents. Despite their denial, there is substantial evidence to support these claims. Additionally, it is crucial to recognize that both of these conflicts possess the capacity to escalate in devastating ways.

And, in both cases, the side that was attackedIsrael and Ukrainedeserves continued support on the path to defeating enemies that undermine global stability.