The Ukrainian president Volodimir Zelensky accused Russia of wanting to start a war in the Middle East, in addition to attacking his country. “We have data that clearly prove that Russia is interested in starting a war in the Middle East, so that a new source of pain and suffering will harm the unity of the world,” Zelensky said on Monday on the social network X (formerly Twitter). .
➤ We report all current developments in Israel on our live ticker
Zelensky also warned of the danger of world war in his late-night video message broadcast in Kiev. “The world wars of the past began with local aggression,” said Zelensky, also referring to attacks on Israel by the militant Hamas. He did not explain what information he had that suggested Russia was interested in starting a conflagration in the Middle East. “We see Moscow’s Iranian friends openly supporting those who attacked Israel,” said Zelensky, who has Jewish roots. He also accused Russian propagandists close to the Kremlin of boasting about violence against Israel.
Fight against terror
“And all of this is a much greater threat than the one the world currently faces,” said the Ukrainian president. During Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, he repeatedly accused Iran of supporting Moscow in its terror with drones and other weapons.
As in his video message on Sunday, Zelensky once again called for a joint fight against terrorism. International law must be defended against terrorists’ attempts to seize power. “I am grateful to all leaders and states who are aware of the danger and are willing to cooperate to keep the situation under control and prevent sponsors of terrorism from becoming more widely involved.”