OPINION: Israel, Our Hearts Go Out to You!

The recent developments in the Middle East have left a lasting impression on me. I sincerely sympathize with the people of Israel who have suffered a terrible terrorist attack. You have my unconditional support.

I also express my heartfelt condolences to Ukrainian families of the victims caught up in these atrocities. My message to you – if you have any problems with communication, please feel free to contact me. I will use all the opportunities at hand to help you learn more about the fate of your loved ones.

People of Israel – today, the heart of Odesa beats in unison with your courageous heart. You welcomed Ukrainian refugees when Russia attacked our country. We are grateful and ready to lend a shoulder to the Israeli people who are currently under rocket fire, just like those in our beloved Odesa.

The people of Ukraine and Israel have always shared a close bond. We are connected by centuries of shared history, generations of families with children sharing Ukrainian and Jewish blood, and cultures whose mutual enrichment has given the world many talented works.

Now, more than ever, we must stand united in the face of a common enemy that poses an existential threat to the very existence of our respective peoples and countries.

I am convinced that recent events will lead to the rallying of the entire civilized world. As our President, Volodymyr Zelensky, noted: "When a terrorist attack like this occurs, everyone who values life should stand united."

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The recent attack on Israel has highlighted that terrorism and military aggression are global problems, which affect the entire world and not just specific countries like Israel or Ukraine. Unfortunately, some politicians have been trying to distance themselves from the war, calling it a "regional conflict" and suggesting that the demands of terrorists should be fulfilled or that territorial concessions should be made to appease the aggressor. However, this approach has proved ineffective in dealing with the situation.

For now, sadly, terrorists seem to unite faster than good people. But if we overcome isolationism, we can truly make the world a better and safer place.

There is no doubt that Israel will stand tall and win – like there is no doubt about the victory of Ukraine in its life-and-death struggle against a terrorist state. But long-term security can be established only when the enemy – terror as a phenomenon and all of its sponsors – is destroyed. This should happen through the joint efforts of the entire international community, which has to unite around the universal value of human life. And the Ukrainian Peace Formula can provide an opportunity to achieve this goal.

Oleksiy Leonov, People's Deputy of Ukraine