Portrait of Volodymyr Zelenskyy
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Gaza Conflict

Two-state advocate humanitarian (strong) Position evolved

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has articulated a nuanced position on the Gaza Conflict, rooted in Ukraine’s own experience of defending its sovereignty against aggression.

He has consistently condemned the Hamas attack on Israel on 2023-10-07, viewing the militant group as terrorists whose actions should not be equated with Israel’s right to self-defense. Simultaneously, Zelenskyy has called for an end to the Israeli offensive, urging respect for international law and stressing the need to prevent civilian suffering in Gaza.

Key to his stated position is the formal recognition of both Israel and Palestine, advocating for a two-state solution as the path toward a just and lasting peace. Zelenskyy has also offered Ukrainian humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

Timeline

  1. Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, which Zelenskyy later linked to Russia's invasion, condemning the attackers.
  2. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated he cannot consider the Russia-Ukraine war equal to the Gaza Conflict, arguing the nature of the aggression is different as it did not begin with a terrorist attack on Ukrainian soil.
  3. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Zelenskyy reiterated that while Israel has the right to self-defense, Ukraine will do everything to convince Israel to stop the conflict and prevent civilian suffering.

Actions Taken

  1. Humanitarian Response
    Affirmed Ukraine's readiness to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
  2. Diplomacy
    Invited both Israeli and Palestinian sides to the upcoming global peace summit in Switzerland.

Key Quotes

We must respect international law. Thirdly, Ukraine recognises two states, both Israel and Palestine, and will do everything it can to convince Israel to stop, to end this conflict and prevent the suffering of civilians.

Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore June 1, 2024 — Outlining Ukraine's diplomatic stance on the conflict resolution.

If Hamas terrorists attacked civilians on the first day of their attack on Israel, then Israel has the right to defend itself.

Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore June 1, 2024 — Stating initial justification for Israel's response to the October 7 attacks.

Russia's occupation and invasion of Ukraine did not begin with a terrorist attack by people with Ukrainian citizenship on the territory of Russia... So these are different things.

End-of-year news conference in Kyiv December 19, 2023 — Explaining why the two conflicts are not equivalent.

Criticism

The Kyiv Independent, New Arab

Comments regarding the Gaza war signaled a potential change or 'veiled criticism' in Zelenskyy's public discourse, moving beyond sole support for Israel.