Ukraine had a shot at survival. It could have won a new lease of life for itself. President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, had different plans. Today, Russia is increasingly growing unapologetic about levelling Ukrainian cities. The air bombardments, MBRL fires, and missile launches have grown in intensity. Civilians are dying. The Ukrainian army is barely putting up a fight that would prove to be sufficient in decisively countering the Russian forces. Essentially, Ukraine is fighting a war it cannot win.
A pragmatic leader, who wants to save civilian lives would surrender. Zelensky has not. The man and his coterie, perhaps at the behest of some “higher powers” went ahead and jeopardized their only chance at retaining any semblance of Ukraine as a nation.
Zelensky Accuses Israel of Toeing Russia’s Line
A Ukrainian senior government official harshly criticized Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s effort to mediate the crisis with Russia. The official said Friday that Bennett is “using the mediation as an excuse to justify the fact that Israel is avoiding transferring military aid to Ukraine or joining the sanctions slapped on Russia.” Ukraine even went on to call Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet a ‘mailbox’.
According to a Ukrainian official quoted by Haaretz, Bennet asked Zelensky to surrender and comply with the demands of Vladimir Putin. “When Bennett told him he should accept the Russian stance, Zelenskyy replied: ‘I heard you, thanks,'” the official said.
Israel has come out and dismissed the allegations, saying, “The prime minister did not recommend that Zelenskyy accept Putin’s offer, as Israel does not know what that offer is. In any case, Bennett does not intend to give Zelenskyy recommendations or advice on how to act at any stage.”
A Friend Lost
Israel could have proven to be an asset for Ukraine. Israel shares good ties with Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. It has amicable relations with countries across Europe, and its voice carries weight in the Western Hemisphere. However, Volodymyr Zelensky and his ‘handlers’ seem to have decided that they will burn down every single bridge between Kyiv and other foreign capitals.
One-on-one talks between Moscow and Kyiv are failing. The recent foreign ministers’ meet between the two countries failed to achieve any results. Zelensky is not willing to surrender, yet, he has subtly indicated complying with some of Putin’s demands as being an acceptable way out.
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That means the Ukrainian establishment knows that it is not winning the war. Prudence would dictate that Ukraine surrender at this point, with an immediate goal of preventing further civilian casualties. However, for reasons best known to Zelensky – that is not happening.
Israel will be annoyed. Even if Bennet did advise Zelensky to comply with Putin’s demands, he was merely trying to prevent further death and destruction. Israel could have proven to be a much-needed friend of Ukraine at a time when NATO and the European Union have abandoned it. However, Zelensky has chosen a path of antagonizing Israel.
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By speaking out so brazenly against Israel, in complete contestation of diplomatic demeanour, Ukraine’s ruling class has prostrated even more before the Biden administration and its allies. It has a limited number of acquaintances now, none of whom are willing to help Ukraine win the war.