Zelensky's Bold Move: Ukraine's Plea for Western Backing Amid Middle East Turmoil

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's expression shifted from a smile to a somber look as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg introduced him to the press in Brussels on Wednesday. This marked Zelensky's inaugural visit to the alliance's headquarters in the Belgian capital since Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine began. Nonetheless, the focus of his attention was redirected to a different crisis that was garnering more global attention – the savage assault by Hamas on Israel.

As journalists approached him, Zelensky expressed his understanding of the impact of a terrorist attack, emphasizing that Ukraine is currently at war. Drawing a parallel between Russia and Hamas, he stated, "We comprehend the gravity of the situation." Reflecting on the initial days of the conflict, he vividly recalled the overwhelming number of casualties. The significance of solidarity became evident, leading him to advocate for NATO leaders to visit Israel and stand by its people.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.

Fatima Shbair/AP

Gaza crisis grows under intense bombardment as Israel retaliates to Hamas atrocities

Zelensky's visit to Brussels overlapped with the most recent gathering of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, an alliance of 54 nations offering military assistance to Kyiv. This marked the Ukrainian president's inaugural presence at the meeting, emphasizing the urgent need for Kyiv to ensure a continuous supply flow.

Currently, Ukraine is in the midst of a gradual summer counteroffensive, which is expected to persist into the winter. Historically, Russia has targeted energy facilities during this time of year and exploited the cold weather in an effort to suppress and subdue the Ukrainian population.

This is a critical moment for Ukraine, especially as international fatigue starts to set in and the worlds attention shifts to the Middle East.

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike that has been going on for five days in Gaza City, Gaza on October 11.

Ali Jadallah/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Hamas surprise attack on Israel on Saturday caused global shockwaves, with its impact reaching as far as eastern Ukraine.

A disturbing silence fell over the Donbas on Saturday morning. Following the devastating missile strike on the village of Hroza last Thursday, which claimed the lives of one-fifth of its inhabitants, this could have been perceived as a typical pause in the ongoing conflict. However, there was an unmistakable sense of something changed.

According to the General Staff of Ukraine, clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces continued over the weekend; however, the usual signs of heavy artillery fire and multiple rocket launch systems were noticeably absent. The reports of shelling along the front line seemed subdued, unable to gain attention.

In an unprecedented turn of events since the commencement of the war a year and a half ago, Ukraine was receiving very little to no attention.

Zelensky drew attention to the Middle East during his video address to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, emphasizing the impact of terrorism in Israel. This showcased an awareness that Ukraine was not currently in the spotlight. Additionally, in his nightly address on social media, Zelensky expressed his concern over Russia's potential advantage in the Israel-Gaza conflict. He noted that Russia may seek to instigate a war in the region to disrupt global unity, create discord, and ultimately undermine freedom in Europe.

But the recent events in Washington have left Ukraine somewhat nervous. Republicans refused to include funding for the war-torn country in a 45-day short-term spending bill to avert a government shutdown. Now, with the United States suddenly focusing on Israel, fears are growing that American aid to Ukraine could slow down soon.

Ukrainian servicemen prepare to fire a M109 self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine September 11, 2023.

Anna Voitenko/Reuters

Following the passage of the funding bill, President Joe Biden attempted to offer reassurance to leaders in Kyiv by promising that military aid for Ukraine would persist. Initially, it was announced that Biden would deliver a speech specifically addressing these concerns. However, in light of the current situation in Israel, these remarks have been postponed.

Nonetheless, Ukraine has managed to recapture some attention by highlighting Russia's war crimes in locations such as Bucha, a town situated northwest of Kyiv that was early subjected to occupation during the invasion. Furthermore, Ukraine has drawn a parallel between the brutality of its own forces and the heinous acts committed by Hamas.

Israeli journalists who were present in Ukraine, particularly in Bucha, are attesting that they have witnessed a similar malevolence to what Russia exhibited," Zelensky conveyed to NATO lawmakers. "This evil is akin to the one experienced by Israel, except that in this case, Ukraine has fallen prey to a terrorist state rather than a terrorist organization."

"While the stated intentions may differ, the underlying nature remains identical," he further emphasized.

Russia has denied any involvement in the mass killings in Bucha, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

In this photo taken on April 2, 2022, bodies of civilians lie on Yablunska street in Bucha, northwest of Kyiv, after the Russian army pulled back from the city.

Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images

Zelensky expressed a similar sentiment to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which is headed by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, on Wednesday. He emphasized the significance of exerting pressure without any interruptions on the front line, and expressed gratitude to allies for their ongoing assistance.

The Ukrainian president acknowledged that Russia was facing strong resistance in Kyiv's counteroffensive but affirmed that his country was still on the offensive. He stated, "Ukraine continues to be driven by our soldiers, shaping the course of events." However, it is important to note that Ukrainian individuals are just one factor in the complex equation of this war.

Civilians' bodies discovered in Bucha, Ukraine, were assembled on April 4, 2022, in preparation for burial. The bodies of five civilians, who were tragically killed in a kindergarten depot during the Ukrainian army's operation to regain control, were placed inside a vehicle for transportation to the cemetery. These civilians, who had been found with their hands tied, were sent by Ukrainian authorities to their final resting place. (Photo by Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Bodies tied up, shot and left to rot in Bucha hint at gruesome reality of Russia's occupation in Ukraine

Western support, particularly from the United States, continues to play a crucial role in Ukraine, both on the front lines in the east and south, as well as within offices in Kyiv.

Zelensky stated that individuals like Putin or Hamas, whom he regards as terrorists, aim to keep free and democratic nations captive, exerting control over those who strive for freedom. He emphasized the necessity for these terrorists to face defeat, while underscoring the importance of winning through perseverance and unwavering support.

Austin reaffirmed ongoing support and commitment by announcing an additional $200 million military aid package for Ukraine. Emphasizing the significance of addressing urgent requirements such as air defense and ammunition, the US defense secretary asserted an unwavering dedication to providing necessary assistance for as long as necessary to ensure Ukraine's freedom.

The increasing cost of freedom for US taxpayers may become a burden, particularly as Israel requests additional military assistance from Washington for an upcoming ground offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Although Austin has pledged support for Ukraine, the recent package provided by the United States is one of the smallest. With the ongoing conflict in Israel and the anticipated need for more resources, this support may dwindle even further, despite the contentious nature of the issue in Congress.