Featured Image Credit: Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images
Topics: Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine, Israel
Stewart Perrie
Topics: Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine, Israel
Ukraine's leader is concerned the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza is taking focus away from his country's battle against Russia.
Hamas committed the deadliest terror attack against Israeli people on October 7 and there has been a fierce reaction ever since.
The Israeli Defence Force has launched retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza that has killed thousands of people and the world has watched in horror at the bloodshed on both sides.
There have been rallies held across the globe and many are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
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While the world's attention is firmly on the Middle East, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is worried no one cares about Ukraine anymore.
The country has been warring against invading Russian forces since February last year.
During a briefing in Kyiv with visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Mr Zelensky said: "It's clear that the war in the Middle East is taking away the focus [from Ukraine]."
He added: "We have already been in very difficult situations when there was almost no focus on Ukraine. I am absolutely sure we will overcome this challenge."
Ursula von der Leyen praised Ukraine's leader for remaining steadfast during the bloody conflict.
"You have reached many milestones," she said.
"Reforming your justice system. Curbing the oligarchs grip. Tackling money laundering and much more.
"We should never forget you are fighting an existential war, and at the same time you're deeply reforming your country."
Zelenskyy explained over the weekend that he believes Russia wanted the world's attention on what was happening in Ukraine to be 'weakened'.
Despite this, he said Ukraine isn't backing down and insisted that 'everything is in our powers', according to the BBC.
"Everyone is getting tired and there are different opinions...but this is not a stalemate," he said.
The outlet says there have been 'suggestions of growing reluctance' in some countries to continue giving Ukraine money and weapons.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is in desperate need of US-made F-16 fighter jets because Russia is 'controlling the skies'.
US President Joe Biden says they will not abandon Ukraine during its time of need.
"The assault on Israel echoes nearly 20 months of war, tragedy, and brutality inflicted on the people of Ukraine — people that were very badly hurt since Putin launched his all-out invasion," he said back in October.
He added: "If we walk away and let Putin erase Ukraine’s independence, would-be aggressors around the world would be emboldened to try the same.
"The risk of conflict and chaos could spread in other parts of the world — in the Indo-Pacific, in the Middle East — especially in the Middle East."