In a traditional nighty address on Monday, Oct. 9, President Zelensky asserted that Russian authorities are actively pursuing the intensification of turmoil in the Middle East.
He said he had met with Ukrainian intelligence and diplomats to deliberate on the growing situation on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
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“According to the available information—very clear—Russia is interested in fomenting war in the Middle East, so that a new source of pain and suffering weakens world unity, adds division and contradictions, and thereby helps Russia destroy freedom in Europe,” Zelensky stated.
We have data very clearly proving that Russia is interested in inciting war in the Middle East. So that a new source of pain and suffering would erode global unity and exacerbate cleavages and controversies, helping Russia in destroying freedom in Europe.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 9, 2023
We can see Russian… pic.twitter.com/TLW94hKc9e
“Russian propagandists are currently gloating, and Moscow's Iranian allies are openly supporting those who attacked Israel,” he added.
President Zelensky underlined the gravity of the situation, saying that in the past, the world wars started precisely “like this.”
“This is a bigger threat than many realize. Past world wars often started with conflicts like this. We understand this danger and are preparing responses. Our main goal is to keep the world united.”
On Oct. 7, Israeli territories experienced a significant rocket barrage from the Gaza Strip, with armed Hamas militants infiltrating southern Israel. In response, the Israel Defense Forces initiated Operation Iron Swords, launching retaliatory actions against the Gaza Strip.
ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, December, 20, 2024
On Oct. 8, the Israeli government declared a state of war for the first time since 1973. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Gaza’s population to evacuate and warned of a “long war.”
Consequently, on Oct. 9, the Israel Defense Forces announced successfully regaining control over all municipalities bordering the Gaza Strip.
As per present reports, no fewer than 900 Israelis reportedly died, and another 2,400 injured in the wake of the Hamas offensive. Authorities within Palestinian territories report 560 casualties and 2,700 individuals wounded in the Gaza Strip consequent to retaliatory measures undertaken by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
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